Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent for Christians.

During the next forty days, the Lord calls us to increased prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Have you reflected on what you’re being called to do this Lent?

Whether the answer is yes or no, here are three things to guide us:

• A touching video about Ash Wednesday. I recommend watching the entire video.
• A beautiful hymn that embodies the spirit of this holy season. The lyrics are below.
• A list of ideas to make Lent a life-changing experience. Thanks for the link, Dad.

As we journey toward the cross, let’s ask the Lord to help us grow in holiness and become the people He calls us to be.

God of Mercy and Compassion

God of mercy and compassion,
Look with pity upon me,
Father, let me call Thee Father,
‘Tis Thy child returns to Thee.

Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy;
Let me not implore in vain;
All my sins, I now detest them,
Never will I sin again.

By my sins I have deserved
Death and endless misery,
Hell with all its pains and torments,
And for all eternity.

Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy;
Let me not implore in vain;
All my sins, I now detest them,
Never will I sin again.

By my sins I have abandoned
Right and claim to heav’n above.
Where the saints rejoice forever
In a boundless sea of love.

Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy;
Let me not implore in vain;
All my sins, I now detest them,
Never will I sin again.

See our Savior, bleeding, dying,
On the cross of Calvary;
To that cross my sins have nail’d Him,
Yet He bleeds and dies for me.

Jesus, Lord, I ask for mercy;
Let me not implore in vain;
All my sins, I now detest them,
Never will I sin again.