An Ash Wednesday Prayer

entering lent in good hands

Mothering God,
like Brigid at Her forge,
purge the dross
from my heart and spirit.
Make me pliable, yet strong,
and form me with Your Skillful Love.

Mothering God,
like Brigid at Her hearth,
kindle all that is bright and warm in me;
for the sake of my children,
my friends, my neighbors,
all lives I may touch
and for the sake of my soul.

Mothering God,
like Brigid at the end of the day,
smoor the embers of my unbelief
and sweep away all despair,
unrest and confusion;
that I may trust
in Your kindness always.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Altar icon, “The Imbolc Crone”, by artist Maartje van Dokkum.