Following Unreservedly

This passage from the Prophet Daniel leapt out at me this morning as totally appropriate for Lent: "But with contrite heart and humble spirit/let us be received;/ As though it were burnt offerings of rams and bullocks,/ or thousands of fat lambs,/ So let our sacrifice be in your presence today/ as we follow you unreservedly;/ for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame./ And now we follow you with our whole heart,/ we fear you and we pray to you./ Do not let us be put to shame,/ but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy./ Deliver us by your wonders,/ and bring glory to your name, O Lord." (Dan 3: 39-43). The humble stance of recognizing our sinfulness and unworthiness, the "sacrifices" (the little "giving ups") we are offering; the desire to follow with our whole beings; the deeper prayer in which we are engaged; the reverence (fear of the Lord) that is growing within us; the recognition of God's kindness and mercy more and more; the realization that it is God who "delivers us", not we who deliver ourselves... all truly the path for a "Lent well spent." Lord, let this passage sink into my heart to encourage and motivate me to keep my Lenten resolutions when the passing of these weeks might find them fading." Amen. Bro. Rene