Lord,
my Lent this year
was, by and large,
a disaster
and as Easter Sunday approaches
I’m very much aware
that I fell well short of the mark.
I feel ashamed
and I long for forgiveness.
I know
that in the days to come
I will read about the way
that you appeared
to bewildered disciples
who felt wracked with guilt.
I will read about
the first words that you spoke to them –
“Peace be with you”,
offering forgiveness
instead of reproaches.
Lord,
in this season of Lent
open my heart to hear
your words of forgiveness.
Help me to forgive myself
in the same way
that you have already
forgiven me.
© Claire Murray (4th April 2015)