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Week 1 – Surrender

Wednesday, Day 1 – Ash Wednesday: Returning to the Lord with Our Whole Hearts

Scripture: Joel 2:12–13; Psalm 51:10

Lent begins with a call to the heart. Ash Wednesday reminds us that life is fleeting, yet deeply significant in God’s hands. Joel’s words echo across time: “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” This is not about legalistic duty, but about posture—a heart ready to surrender and align with God’s will.

Today, as we embark on this 46-day journey of fasting and prayer for our ministry property, we recognize that the goal is greater than the building itself. God desires to prepare our hearts to steward what He entrusts to us. Before we seek walls, He wants us to seek His presence. Before we ask for provision, He wants us to ask for purity of heart. And before we hope for doors to open, He invites us to open ourselves fully to Him.

Returning to God means letting go. It means releasing control over outcomes, timelines, and even personal preferences. It is saying, “Lord, whatever You do, prepare me to serve You faithfully.” Our surrender is not weakness—it is strength rooted in humility and trust.

This day is also a time to examine our motives. Are we pursuing God’s will, or simply our own plans? Are we seeking a property for prestige, comfort, or convenience, or are we preparing a place where God’s Kingdom can grow? The fast helps us silence distractions so we can hear the Spirit more clearly.

Ash Wednesday calls us to humility, yet it also offers hope. Even as we acknowledge our dependence on God, we celebrate that He is gracious and compassionate. He does not reject broken hearts—He transforms them.

Reflection/Application:

  • Take a moment to identify any areas of control you need to release to God.
  • Consider how this surrender will affect your approach to the ministry property.
  • Journal a prayer of personal surrender and commit your heart to God’s will.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we return to You with all our hearts. Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us. Help us to surrender our plans, our timelines, and our desires so that we may align fully with Your will. Prepare us, Lord—not only for a place—but for Your presence. Amen.