Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Holy God,

Shall this year be like the past,
giving up that which brings joy,
so that my self-imposed poverty may be
a sign of spiritual superiority?

Instead, Lord,
by your grace,
may I give up
bitterness, arrogance,
animosity, and the
unwarranted certainty
that keeps me from
loving my neighbor.

Cover me with your ashes,
and raise me again
to walk anew
in your kingdom.

Amen