“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

During the Great Lent, we continue the journey of transformation. After Awakening and Repentance, today we embrace the third step: Purification.

Repentance turns us toward God; purification clears away what still clings to the soul. Just as gold is refined by fire, the heart is cleansed through prayer, fasting, watchfulness, and humility. Lent is not only about saying “I am sorry,” but about allowing God to wash, heal, and reorder our inner life.

As Ephrem the Syrian teaches: “Let tears wash away the stains of the heart, that the Spirit may dwell there in purity.”

Purification is practical. Guard your thoughts. Limit distractions. Fast not only from food, but from gossip, harsh words, and unnecessary noise. Replace complaint with gratitude. Replace irritation with patience. When impure thoughts arise, do not entertain them — gently return to the Jesus Prayer.

This step requires effort, but it brings freedom. As the heart becomes lighter, prayer becomes clearer and love becomes easier.

Today, choose one area of your life to simplify or cleanse. Offer it to Christ. Through purification, transformation deepens — and the soul begins to reflect the light of God more clearly.