In the liturgy for Ash Wednesday the Lord leads us into the secret places. In psalm 51 we pray ‘teach me wisdom in the secret places of the heart’ and Jesus in the Gospel teaches us not to be public in our fasting and praying but remember that our heavenly Father ‘sees what is done in secret.’
Lent is an opportunity to open up those places in our hearts which are secret – sometimes even to ourselves. It is here that the Lord is waiting to meet us with forgiveness, consolation, encouragement or guidance.
This is authentic prayer ,opening the heart to God – like love-making or wrestling.
FOOL ON THE HILL aka Canon Hawes 