Prayer is where the cross changes shoulders.

It's easier not to love. Beware of the easy path this day.

Laziness in prayer is like handing the devil a key to your house.

We often talk about how we are God's "hands and feet," which is true. That being said, we can't fall into the trap of thinking God needs us like we need Him. He's God - which makes the reality that He wants to use us and be in relationship with us an even sweeter, more profound truth.

When a majority of my prayers are for others to change, I've gotten off track. Lord, change this sinner's heart.

I'm a sinner. I don't always love God as strongly as I could or as directly as I should. Ash Wednesday reminds me that it is only through God that I have life; He gave it to me. God forgives. He loves. And He gives this sinner a second chance. Put simply: my God kicks ash.

Sometimes we forget that sin really is optional.