Lenten Meditation: Encountering Jesus

Day 1 | February 18

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.”

—Psalm 51: 10-12

The non-apology apology is a statement that is offered as an apology but fails to express true regret or to take responsibility for having done something wrong. These non-apologies have become pervasive in politics and business, yet we all have formed them: “I didn’t mean to hurt anyone, but if I did…” “It’s regrettable that our relationship ended this way…” If you’ve ever received one of these apologies, you know how empty it sounds.

Likewise, when we have done wrong, we are constantly tempted to come before a God who is full of redeeming love and give a non-apology apology. But in Psalm 51:10-12, we have David’s prayer as a model to recognize our sinfulness, show repentance and accept a renewed life. With these three verses, we can avoid the temptation to offer a non-apology apology to God. We can face the truth about ourselves and our relationship with God, because we know that God’s grace is free, abundant, and available to all. Our hearts/thoughts are made clean, we move forward with God’s loving and merciful presence again in our hearts/minds, and we return to a joyful spirit and sing praises for the work God has done in our life.

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God,

you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent.

Create in us new and contrite hearts that we may receive your forgiveness,

Amen.

—Nancy Curry

Day 2 | February 19

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them and not to hide yourself from your own kin?

—Isaiah 58: 6-7

We fast because Jesus and the Disciples taught us to, and it’s a way to remember the abundance of God’s grace in our lives. Fasting brings us solidarity with a hurting, hungry world and is an opportunity for intentional, meaningful prayer. In this passage, Isaiah is calling out to Israel to let their fast be out of love for God and the world instead of a selfish way of proving themselves to God. In Isaiah 58:3, Israel asks “Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice,” and Isaiah answers, “Look, you serve your own interests on your fast day and oppress all your workers.” We do not and should never fast to bring others down, have God to ourselves, or to prove something to our ever-loving God. We should let God’s love for us pour out through us unto the world to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and cover the naked. Later in this passage, we hear words our world desperately needs: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.” Take heart in these comforting words and all of Isaiah 58 as we turn away from ourselves, towards God, and towards a renewed world.

Prayer:

Lord, we ask that you make your ever-loving presence around us known, and call out to us “Here I am”. In this time of Lent, let us remember when we fast, it is not for our own pleasure but to draw closer to you. Help us to remember the hope you bring to our hurting world and the positive change we can bring as a church and ourselves. Bestow unto us a steady and grateful heart for the many gifts we have, knowing we are free to lift up and love thy neighbor.

Amen

—Joshua Rodkey

Day 3 | February 20

Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slw to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.—Joel 2: 12-13

The Book of Joel was written at the time of a devasting plague of locusts, causing mass famine. Important to the author, not only were people starving, but the plague also destroyed the offerings of grain and wine the people would have made at the temple.

Joel reminds us that outward repentance – rendering of garments (and perhaps displays of public offerings), while acceptable, are not the repentance called for. Instead, God seeks heartfelt contrition, acknowledging one’s own failings and genuinely seeking redemption.

More importantly, Joel offers hope, assuring us that the Lord is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love. This message is so powerful that it appears on Ash Wednesday in all three years of the Lectionary cycle and is prominently sung in Mendelssohn’s Elijah.

As we begin our journey through Lent, this passage reminds us to focus on sincere reflection and penitence, and never to forget that far from being vengeful, our God is loving and merciful. We should aspire to be the same – living with grace, compassion, humility, and kindness towards all people, just as God offers such abounding love freely to us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we open our hearts to you and earnestly seek your forgiveness. We thank you for your unending gracious love and your constant presence through the days of our lives. Remind us always to show kindness and compassion, and grant us a thirst for justice, so that we may be fitting disciples of your loving presence.

Amen.

—Karen Peck

Day 4 | February 21

So, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

—2 Corinthians 5: 20-21

I am so glad being an ambassador for Christ doesn’t require Senate confirmation. Not just because those sessions look absolutely awful, but also because if it did, I’m not sure I’d get enough votes to land the job. When Paul tells the Christians at Corinth that he was an ambassador for Christ, he meant it in the fullest sense of the word: a personal representative of a ruler or sovereign, a delegate from an entire country. In this role, he is writing to the Corinthians and pleading with them to be reconciled to God. It’s a big job, but a necessary one.

On paper, Paul wouldn’t have passed muster in the Senate, either: after all, he’d actively persecuted the Church before his conversion on the road to Damascus. But God’s grace led him to new ways of seeing, new ways of loving, and God used Paul to spread the message of reconciliation. You and I may not be called to Paul’s particular work, but we’re all invited into this ministry, too. We can serve as ambassadors for Christ in our homes, our workplaces, our schools. No matter who we are, no matter what our stories are, God’s grace has blessed us just like it blessed Paul. How might God be calling you to serve as an ambassador for Christ in the world today?

Prayer:

O Lord, we are so grateful for the way you have reconciled us to yourself. During this season of reflection and repentance, help us to see the ways we need to change in order to live into your reconciliation more deeply, and help us to understand how we can better represent you to all those we meet. We pray this in the name of Jesus, our Sovereign. Amen.

—Trey Burns

Day 5 | February 22

Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely having been reconciled will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned – sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law.

—Romans 5: 9-13

As a long-time lay reader I have become accustomed to Paul’s labyrinthine language in presenting his theology, but the long sentences and infrequent periods are challenging. In the passage immediately prior to today’s reading Paul notes the interconnectedness of suffering, endurance, character and hope.

In verse 9 he proclaims how “much more surely” we have been justified and reconciled through our Lord Jesus Christ. Commentators note the transition from being "justified by faith" to living a life defined by peace, hope, and the indwelling love of God.

Theologian Karl Barth invites us to stop staring at the shadow of death and turn toward the Light of Christ. We often view Adam’s fall as the primary "truth" of the human condition, with Christ as the solution. In teaching the practice of Contemplative Prayer, Father Thomas Keating wrote frequently of the “False self” (as modeled by the fall of Adam) and the “True self” (as modeled by Christ).

It is easy to be distracted by sin and our need for forgiveness when seeking God’s grace. Instead, we would do well to look at the "Much More" of Jesus. In Him, we see that God’s "Yes" to humanity is older, deeper, and more final than our "No."

Prayer:

O God,

We come before You with humbled hearts, standing in awe of the depth of Your love. We thank You that while we were still distant, You brought us near.

Help us to not only look to the future but to rejoice in your prevenient grace right now, thankful for the reconciliation we have received through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

—Brad Harmes

Day 6 | February 23

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in that day that you eat of it you shall die.”

—Genesis 2: 15-17

God reminds us that sin is a powerful temptation. Before the fall, Adam lived in blissful and peaceful ignorance in the Garden. After eating from the tree, God expelled Adam from the Garden and Adam endured the consequences of his actions.

While eating of the fruit ultimately burdened Adam and his descendants, we may use the knowledge of good and evil today to bring the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth. Christ’s sacrifice redeemed us and gave us the opportunity to follow Him down a new path.

John Wesley once preached, “the great end of religion is to renew our hearts in the image of God, to repair that total loss of righteousness and true holiness which we sustained by the sin of our first parent.” Let us give our lives to the God that saved us and dedicate ourselves to bettering the broken world that we inherited.

Prayer:

Lord God,

Be with us as we give our hearts to you, so that we may be transformed by your amazing grace. Let us strive to love You and our neighbor, so that this world may be transformed in your image. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

—Mark Keplinger

Day 7 | February 24

Therefore, just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

—Romans 5: 18-19

Those of a certain age may remember the magical station wagons of the 1970’s – free from the encumbrances of seatbelts, airbags and fuel efficiency. My siblings and I sat in the jump seat; faces pressed against the back window staring directly at the drivers behind us. Miles away in the front seat, our parents grooved to an 8-track, all of us blissfully unaware of the other group. Until we were. Scorched from the vinyl seats and limited space, the three of us often argued. It was then our dad would yell, “Hey! Cut it out! You kids get along or you’ll ____fill in the blank dire consequence.”

In today’s reading, Paul writes to the church in Rome. Amidst chaos of changing rulers, expulsion, reunification and shifting traditions, the Jewish and Gentile believers fought and struggled to live as one family in Christ. Instead of reaching from the front seat to threaten the followers, Paul makes a case for unity by inviting an unlikely pair of passengers in the family wagon.

Paul discusses how Adam’s one act of disobedience with God caused sin, our separation from God and condemnation for all. Moving on to Jesus, Paul discusses His act of obedience with God resulted in our righteousness and eternal life. One man’s disobedience separated us; the other’s obedience restores us.

Despite all our arguments on myriad issues, Paul reminds us of our commonalities — a broken and sinful heritage with Adam and opportunity for salvation through Jesus.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Even though one man’s disobedience brought condemnation, I thank You, God, that Jesus’ obedience brings righteousness and life. Thank you for allowing us to exchange our sin for your grace.

When I fixate on differences and label others as “outsiders,” I know I am distancing myself from you. Please reshape my heart toward those who think differently from me, even when it feels uncomfortable. Help me pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and mercy, because that is when I am truly walking in unity with you. Amen

—Courtney Pope

Day 8 | February 25

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”

—John 4: 13-14

Today’s meditation and scripture focuses on Jesus’ promise that the living water he gives will satisfy us eternally, unlike ordinary water that only temporarily quenches our thirst. In this passage, we find ourselves at the well in Samaria with Jesus. Tired, hungry and thirsty from his journey, Jesus rests at the well. A Samaritan woman comes to draw water from the well and finds Jesus resting. Jesus asked the woman for a drink, and she was taken back as Jews did not associate with Samaritans. She replied, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman, how can you ask me for a drink?” Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who was asking, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” The woman begins to question who God is and Jesus answers with the exchange recorded in John.

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is significant because we see Jesus breaking through cultural barriers to offer spiritual renewal through him. Jesus tells the woman that those who seek earthly water will never satisfy their thirst, but those who seek the living water that can only come through him, will always be satisfied. Living water is a symbol of eternal life through belief in God and provides constant fulfillment of our spiritual thirst.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we are thankful for the promise of eternal life through you. May we always draw from the spring of living water that lives within us, bubbling and overflowing, always fulfilling our spiritual thirst and reminding us daily of this promise. May we seek to welcome strangers and friends alike to also share in the good news of the living water, so that they too may be filled through you. Amen.

—Beth Anne Gunn

Day 9 | February 26

The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the son of God command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God,’ “

—Matthew 4: 3-4

The context for this passage from Matthew's Gospel finds Jesus in the wilderness probably somewhere near the Dead Sea. He had gone to that area to be baptized by John the Baptist. John was "old school", spending much of his time in the wilderness, perhaps as a member of the Essenes in the Qumran Community. Many people came to the wilderness to be baptized by John and repent of sins, ready to lead a more sacred purposeful life. Jesus came to identify with the people and as a way of beginning his ministry.

As Jesus spends forty days in the wilderness after his baptism, on his mind would have been the experience of his baptism and the interaction with the others there. This is a time of reflection for Jesus as to how he would understand his sense of calling compared to others he has just seen. He would not be only a law keeper nor a compromiser nor an ascetic. He also would reject miraculous demonstrations (stone to bread) as a way to live out his calling, not that he would reject that altogether, nor would he be unconcerned about the real hunger of people. His ministry would be far more comprehensive. It would be about justice and mercy, concern for the physical body as well as spiritual hunger, a rejection of evil and the embracing of love, about "every word that comes from the mouth of God". In our own wilderness discernment may we follow Jesus by affirming his way in relationship to God and neighbor: justice and mercy, physical hunger and spiritual hunger, rejection of evil and embracing of love.

Prayer:

Oh God, in this Lenten Season, lead us to a lifestyle that reflects "every word that comes from the mouth of God". Amen

—Jim Bankston

Day 10 | February 27

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David – that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.

—2 Timothy 2:8-10

Today, we find ourselves in 2 Timothy. Despite his difficult circumstances while in prison, throughout this letter, Paul urges Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith, to cling to his godly heritage and calling. Verse 8 urges us to remember God's plan and intentionality. The first mention of God’s promise of salvation, or the Gospel, appears in Genesis 3: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This promise from God states that there will be a struggle between humans and our sin after the fall; a savior would crush sin, even though sin would try to defeat Jesus; darkness does not have the final word.

The second part of this scripture highlights Paul's own spiritual struggle. He mentions his bond to the Gospel has inadvertently placed him in his present situation. However, the word of God is not bound to a prison cell or one human soul. Paul knows the power of God, as revealed in the Gospel. He believes that everything he has done, from fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel despite persecution to writing this letter to Timothy, has been to pursue and to glorify God.

Prayer:

Gracious and intentional God, as we walk through this day and in the Lenten season, may we be image-bearers to reflect your love and purpose in our own lives. As you called Paul and Timothy into ministry to your early church, may we hear our calling to minister in our everyday lives. By our words may we proclaim The Gospel, our eyes to see you in the mundane, and our lungs be filled with your presence, so that our every breath praises your holy name.

—Camille Thrash

Day 11 | February 28

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “you will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.

—Genesis 3:1-7

When I was working as a hospital chaplain at Duke, I was in the hall of an ICU unit with a physician. He was visibly angry as he said, “The patient expired! Do you know who I am? My patients don’t just expire!” I remember letting him continue to rage and wondering if I should tell him that his patients do in fact die because he was not God.

In his book, The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis says, “Someone or something whispered that they could become as gods…” This whispering did not end in the Garden of Eden. We are daily tempted to become gods of our own lives. That temptation comes in the form of believing that we control the future, of making ourselves the center of our own universe, and of self-assurance about our own correctness. But no matter what, the simile remains. We are like God, but we are never God. There is no corner of the universe where God is not. Total self-determination and autonomy is a myth. And yet — as Adam and Eve discover — this is good news because God cares for us better than we could ever care for ourselves. Fig leaves are turned into garments of skin — much more durable.

Prayer:

You are God, and I am not. For that, let me be thankful today. Help me to see the ways my own limitations are opportunities for your grace, and help me to resist those temptations to put myself in the center, to rest on my own achievements, or to believe that I am on my own. May you live and reign and work in me, with me, through me, and despite of me, Lord Christ. Amen.

—Brandi Horton

Day 12 | March 1

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."

—Matthew 17: 1-9

In uncertain times, Jesus’ Transfiguration provides a future promise of ascension and an assurance that God has things well in hand, that our hope is founded in the One who is the Lord of all creation and who cares for us deeply. In no uncertain terms, the Father appears atop a mountain, as He once did for Moses, and proclaims the Sonship of Jesus. The sight proves too much for the disciples, and they must be told not to be afraid when confronted with the majestic power of the Divine. The same One who appears in the panoply of glory above them is the One who touches them gently, raises them to their feet, and reminds them that they have nothing to fear in the knowledge that they, too, are loved by God. The appearance of Moses and Elijah reminds us that Jesus stands in a line of the anointed of God; while the Savior’s mention of the coming resurrection reveals something new and climactic, bringing our attention back to the promise inherent in the vision of the Transfiguration.

Prayer:

Lord Almighty, remind me that you have power over all things and yet you concern yourself with and love even me. Let your promises be my comfort and my fortress against fear, let your example guide my feet as I walk in this world. Amen

—Justin Flint

Day 13 | March 2

No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

—Romans 4: 20-21

Who is a person of faith? Abraham is one of our best examples. Did he have doubts? Sometimes. Was he impatient? Sometimes. Did he challenge God? Yes. Was he obedient and devoted? Most definitely yes. Did he have faith? Absolutely.

Abraham’s example is one of faith over a lifetime. It was not a faith based on transactions – something being promised, something being granted. His approach was not, to my knowledge, explicitly described in the Bible. I imagine his faith as a humble faith. He was not keeping score and flaunting that score to build his reputation. Instead, it was a servant-based faith – willing to do whatever was asked, regardless of the challenge. It was a patient faith even when what was foretold seemed impossible. He still kept his faith.

That steadfast faith builds a character that I admire. It also builds strength of resolve.

We all face seemingly insurmountable faith challenges. We need peace. Where do we start? We need justice. What do we do? We need someone healed. How?

We need to act on faith.

Abraham’s examples are for us – his descendants. He did not know what was next. He just did what was asked of him, with steadfast faith.

Prayer:

Eternal God, we give our thanks for your grace and love for us. We know our faith requires patience and conviction. That patience and conviction develops strength. With the constant noise in our society, help us take the time to listen and reflect. Many times, we do not know what to do or when to do it, but we move forward based on your guidance and our faith to bring your kingdom into our lives, families, communities, and nations. Amen.

—Doug Peck

Day 14 | March 3

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.

—John 3:16

John Wesley writes, “God so loved the world - That is, all men under heaven; even those that despise his love, and will for that cause finally perish.”

When I read or hear this passage of scripture, I am drawn to the word “everyone.” Today, we often see people divide the world into “Us” versus “Them,” many Christians apply it to who is saved and who is not. While on the surface this passage draws a line between those who believe and those who do not, it does not deny the unbelievers a chance. The very next verse says, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

In combination these verses allow us to understand that Jesus truly died for everyone and did so out of his compassion and love rather than out of judgement or punishment. Jesus’ death on the cross allows for all people, regardless of any earthly division or demographic, to live a life in the joyous freedom of God.

I hope that this Lenten Season is a time of reflection on how we can bridge the gap between “Us” versus “Them” and how our work here on earth would be Christ-like in our love and acceptance; that our authenticity will be a light to the world.

Prayer:

O God, ever-merciful Father, teach us the ways of your love and mercy. Help us to see the commonalities in each and every person we meet, so that we may build connections of understanding to people we may not agree with, or who may not agree with us. Let these connections be a reminder that your suffering and death was for all humanity, not an exclusive few. May our words, thoughts, and actions reflect your love for us and our love for you. In your son’s precious and holy name we pray. Amen.

—Cade Ellis

Day 15 | March 4

I lift up my eyes to the hills—

from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

—Psalm 121: 1-4

For any predicament, someone will promise help if I just subscribe to their channel, read their book, buy their product, or follow their advice. 3,000 years ago, the world offered solutions in much the same way. A desperate person could be sold useless ointments, false prophecies, or vanity fashions as easily then as now.

On the long, steep journey to Jerusalem, pilgrims sang and prayed Psalm 121. Undistracted by hilltop altars to false gods, this pilgrimage traveler kept their eyes focused. One hilltop represented actual help—the one on which they could find the Temple of God.

What help do we need from God today? Strength for a difficult season? Wisdom for making an impossible choice? Peace when the world offers chaos and distress?

We may not yet see how God will help us (regardless of our suggested answers to our prayers). I have experienced God’s help through dramatic healing and unexpected job offers at a few key points in my life. But most often, it’s more subtle—just providing the endurance to put one foot in front of the other, and the knowledge that God, the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, is with me on this journey.

Prayer:

Gracious and loving God,

You are with me. You sustain me.

You created me and you know me.

As I journey each day, would you keep my focus on you?

Would you keep my feet from slipping and watch over me as I go?

Sometimes the burden is light and I travel with joy. Other times, this road is hard.

Thank you for your solidarity with your children in all of our struggles.

Let us remember that our help comes from you, our Savior.

Amen.

—Kate Flint

Day 16 | March 5

Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

While I kept silence, my body wasted away

through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

—Psalm 32: 1-4

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to speak the truth. There's an odd effect that holding in an important truth creates—shame or guilt. The kind that builds pressure inside my mind and soul. And as pressure builds, the more dangerous it feels to let it all out—the truth and the pressure. So, I keep it built up inside, which builds more shame and guilt. "If this was found out...I'd never be forgiven."

Speaking the truth feels like a daring act when done honestly and constructively, further so when it's engulfed in all those negative emotions. how could a "good" truth and negative self-talk co-exist? Perhaps that's why it feels like such a miracle when releasing that truth sets things right with the ordering force behind the universe, which is God. It's a harrowing experience that I thought would be the end of me on many occasions. "How could this possibly go well if I reveal this? Or if I admit that?"

Truth be told, my day-to-day life may change little after moments of truth-telling like this, passing to good times much later on if at all. But the mental and psychological relief is immediate and rich. Regardless of how much (or little) my material life changes, it's enough that my mind is at peace after letting the truth be known. That gift of the mind is the true miracle I think David sang of in this Psalm.

Prayer:

God of Truth and Mercy, in this Lenten wilderness I bring You what I most want to hide. Sometimes the hardest thing is simply to speak what is true—because the truth I carry can feel like a pressure in my mind and soul that tells me to stay silent. Give me the strength to loosen my grip and release what I’m holding so tightly.

Give me courage to tell the truth not as an act of destruction, but as an offering: plain, concise, and real. Regardless of the outcome, grant me the miracle I need most: a mind made quiet and the deep relief of being known by grace. Amen.

—Josh Miller

Day 17 | March 6

But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

—Romans 5: 8

How do we know God loves us?

Life can feel like a tangled web, our thoughts, responsibilities, and pressures pulling us in every direction. We plan and try to control, yet the knot only tightens. Lent invites us to pause, breathe, and receive a love that moves toward us before we earn it, a presence that enters where we are.

While we were “missing the mark,” God came close. Christ’s life and death touch the fullness of our human experience, unveiling a humanity that is attentive, supportive, and compassionate. Love shows itself in patience and courage, in forgiveness and care, in speaking truth and holding space with gentleness.

Live authentically, cultivate your spiritual life, and strengthen what is good in yourself and others. Listen deeply, affirm often, extend care and support to those whose voices are overlooked. Let this love guide your choices and transform relationships.

If God’s love meets us in the midst of our complexity, how might we become channels of justice, peace, and healing today?

Prayer:

God of patient love, help us remember that we are loved as we are. Heal what is divided, strengthen what is good, and teach us to act with compassion and to share the mercy we have received. Amen.

—Nataly Negrete

Day 18 | March 7

The people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” But the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” So, Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do for this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile and go. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

—Exodus 17: 2-7

I often pity Moses as a leader and a manager, especially with stories like this one. He’s already led his people out of bondage after brutal and debilitating fights with Pharoah. The miracle at the Red Sea is long past and the Ten Commandments are still to come where we pick up the story. So, it’s all complaining all the time. “There’s no water and it’s your fault.” I picture Moses rubbing the back of his neck as he talks to God about being stoned by his own people.

How many times do we worry that what we have isn’t good enough. That we continually seek perfection in both ourselves and others, but mainly in others – especially those who have been chosen to lead us? Do we care that they are trying, that they are attempting to get water out of a rock? For me, it’s often impatience rather than seeking the perfect.

Some days, I see myself as Moses, trying my best and not quite succeeding. More days, I see myself as his people. Fretful, distrustful, angry, worried. Then, in both cases, I finally realize, “God will provide as God sees fit. It’s not up to me to try to outthink God’s plan.”

Prayer:

Merciful Father, remind me always that I am yours. Your provisions will sustain me. Grant me patience to see your love in those I lead and in those who are leading me that together, in everything, we will glorify you through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

—Mark Hager

Day 19 | March 8

But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

—Romans 8: 9-13

During Lent, we remember that life in Christ means turning away from what drains us and turning toward what gives life. In Romans 8, Paul reminds us that we no longer belong to “the flesh.” That means we are not enslaved to selfish ways or fearful living. Instead, the Spirit of God lives in each of us. The Spirit not only gives us life, but strength, freedom, and the courage to follow Jesus.

Paul says, “If Christ is in you… the Spirit gives life.” That means God’s life is already at work inside us. Even when we’re tired or uncertain, the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is renewing us from the inside out.

Maybe ask yourself: What needs to die in me so Christ’s life can better be seen? Maybe it’s anxiety, bitterness, or distraction. Is there something that keeps you from “being fully alive”?

Today, let’s trust the Spirit enough to let go of what drains us and take a real step toward the fuller, freer life Jesus offers.

Prayer:

Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me today. Help me walk in your ways and share your love. Amen.

—Laura Althaus

Day 20 | March 9

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

—John 9:5

The Gospel of John spends a fair bit of time talking about light and dark, all the way back to the beginning of the Gospel when we read, “the light shines in the and the darkness could not overcome it.” Jesus was speaking in this later chapter not just of his physical presence in the world, but his ongoing spirit in the world. Where he is, there is light. We should be drawn to that light, as a moth to a flame, rather than finding ways to hide from his light.

Each day, we must work to find light even in a world that we believe is ever darkening. Giving up hope is giving up light and conceding to the dark. It may not happen suddenly, like a switch being turned off, but gradually, like a dimmer being turned down. Imperceptible with each reduction until finally, we can’t see what’s real or even what’s in front of us. That leaves us susceptible to those who would lead us astray, who would “influence” us away from the light.

Jesus’ light is still here. It’s here in hope, it’s here in love, it’s here in our fellow humans. The darkness keeps trying to overcome. We must continue to find the light so that we might then share it.

Prayer:

God of light, draw us ever closer to your warming glow that is present with us in your Son. Make us not only bearers but also sharers of your light in a dark world.

Amen.

—Mark Hager

Day 21 | March 10

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I give them will never thirsty. The water I give will become in them a spring of water, gushing up to eternal life.”

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

—John 4: 13-15

We thirst for many things in our culture - security, power, prestige, position. We put our trust in these things. We may even pray for these things.

We are, however, at a crossroads in our culture. We still have a choice, and we are being asked, especially in this season of our liturgical calendar, and certainly in this time in our country's life, "Do we have a thirst for the things that matter, that last?"

The encounter Jesus had with the woman at the well is a story very much about us. Not a chance encounter as it might appear. If you are reading this, it is not by "accident." You come seeking something, something that would satisfy.

So, the first step has been taken. You are here - at the well. Water cannot be drawn from the well unless one is present. We must be. Be here. Be here now.

Next comes the encounter with Jesus. Simply put this is the solemn and joyful recognition that we are not alone. We live inside the heart of the Sacred and this Sacred Presence seeks to come alive and find expression through who we truly are and how we live our lives in the world.

The satisfying water for which we seek is already within. The miracle in this story is that Jesus sees this woman for who she truly is. There is no condemnation or judgment. Just an offer to be seen as who we truly are. Then we are free to move along on the journey.

Prayer:

Holy God, open me to an awareness of who I truly am - your beloved, known and loved. Amen.

—Bill Kerley.

Day 22 | March 11

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. So, they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’

—John 9: 13-17

Our Gospel reading picks up after Jesus had healed the blind man by placing two mud packs over his eyes and after Jesus has a discourse with his disciples about what the man (or his parents) had done wrong for the man to be born blind. After Jesus disabuses them of their notions of God meting out punishment, he reminds them that those he encounters are there for a reason.

And it takes a (now formerly) blind man to open the eyes of the Pharisees to the great works that Jesus is doing. The man is blunt: Jesus is a prophet who also works on the sabbath, which to the interlocuters was the most important charge against Jesus.

How many times are we too quick to judge (like his disciples) or quick to enforce the rules (like the Pharisees) without seeing a broader picture. A blind man was healed. That had to be good news. However, we can often think, “well, if something good happened, something bad is bound to come next.” Jesus’ life teaches us that goodness is all around us, but we have to be willing to see it.

Prayer:

Heal my eyes and open them to the world: its needs, its beauty, its limitations and its joys. Give me the vision to see the bright future you have in store for us, O God, our healer and our redeemer. Amen

—Mark Hager

Day 23 | March 12

Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” – although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized—he left Judea and started back to Galilee. But he had to go through Samaria.

—John 4:1-4

Jesus is on his way back to Galilee to avert a premature confrontation with the Pharisees. He had been in Judea witnessing the ministry of John the Baptist. In those days, one way on foot from Judea to Galilee was a 3-to-5-dayjourney. The 2-day disparity had nothing to do with pace, but rather animosity between Jews and Samaritans.

Although the shortest and most direct route between Judea and Galilee is through Samaria, most Jews would rather go the long way adding two days of travel time to avoid interacting with Samaritans.

Jews considered themselves religiously and ethnically superior to Samaritans and snubbed them for any reason. Yet Jesus isn’t concerned about bloodlines or worship styles. This trip through Samaria represents the heart and soul of Jesus’ ministry—reconciliation and salvation for all people.

Jesus didn’t have to go through Samaria because it was the only way to get home. He had to go through Samaria because it was the best way to show God’s love to the people who some people wanted to hate.

Throughout his public ministry Jesus never considered anyone to be “less than.” The least, last, and lost Jesus encountered were always “worthy of” a conversation about the grace of God.

Jesus didn’t avoid ministry; he went out of his way to find it. Love is why he had to go to Samaria. Where is your Samaria? Are you on your way or going out of your way to avoid the trip?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, as we continue to fast and pray our way through this season of Lent, reveal to us the artificial lines we’ve drawn or stand next to that make us feel superior to others. Give us the courage and humility to take the love of Christ into unlikely places because everyone is “worthy of” a conversation about the grace of God.

Amen.

—Irv White

Day 24 | March 13

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples

a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,

of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.

And he will destroy on this mountain

the shroud that is cast over all peoples,

the covering that is spread over all nations;

he will swallow up death forever.

Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,

and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,

for the Lord has spoken.

It will be said on that day,

“See, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.

This is the Lord for whom we have waited;

let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

—Isaiah 25: 6-9

Isaiah paints a picture, filled with rich imagery, about a hopeful future. A promise that God’s people will be delivered from oppression and fear. That they will finally be fully free. No tears, no disgrace, God swallowing up death forever. The passage sounds very familiar to those found in the Book of Revelation as John imagines a time that there will be no more tears and those that remain will be wiped away by God.

But that deliverance can feel very far away, especially for those who are oppressed today. Where is their hope as they continue to wait on God and wait on the day they can rejoice in their salvation? And how are we finding ways to show that God’s love is present for them through us and our Christian charity? God doesn’t go it alone. God’s people are called to be a people of strength in tough times, of grace on thoughtless days, of love in hours that are full of hate.

Can we be vessels of God’s love, providing both literal and figurative feasts to bring hope to the hungry and the helpless? Can we at least try?

Prayer:

Everlasting God, we know we cannot be all things to all people, but show us ways to provide strength, grace and love to those we meet. Help us magnify the majesty of humility shown us by your son, Jesus Christ.

Amen

—Mark Hager

Day 25 | March 14

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”

—John 11: 17-27

If you had been here… Where were you? If only…

Martha’s first words to Jesus bordered on accusation: “If you had been here.” If only.

Jesus could have chastised Martha for her blunt greeting, but instead he reassures her Lazarus will rise again.

And in typical Martha fashion, her response sounds like that of an adolescent: “Well, I know that.” But did she? Martha’s focus was on a promise for the future: “Lazarus will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

Jesus’ promise, however, was for the present moment: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

Whether it’s in our closest relationships, our outlook on life, or our reaction to political unrest and the broader struggles of our world, we long for transformation.

Jesus’ promise is that resurrection is not someday—it is today, this year, this moment. If only we seek his guidance and hold on to the belief that transformation is possible for each of us and for our world.

Our first response may be obstinate and accusatory, like Martha’s: “If only you had been here.” Or, like her sister Mary, we may be more reserved, patiently waiting. Yet in either case, Jesus comes to us, offering an opportunity for resurrection today—new life, new hope, and the possibility of transformation in the midst of our grief and uncertainty.

Prayer:

We praise you, God, for your help and guidance.


For being present in the dark hours and in the joys.


We praise you and thank you for being with us even when we forget you.


We are grateful for who we are and for the freedom to be ourselves.

—Johanna Wolfe

Day 26 | March 15

But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’

—1 Samuel 16:7

Several months ago, I was upset that I did not get a job at a certain law firm. In the job interview, the firm asked why I wanted to go to law school, and I replied with something like, “I wanted to help people.” Most firms did not mind when I said that, but one particular interviewer immediately retorted that “we only defend large corporations.” Later, I told a mentor about this moment, and she told me that I should have said something that the interviewer wanted to hear. I knew my mentor was right, yet I was disheartened by it.

When I was in college at Tulane University, the pastor for our student ministry told me that, “to be known is to be loved,” something that comes from this verse as well as in Psalm 139. We even teach this to our youth with the song, “This little light of mine!” We often hide our true selves from other people in order to be more liked or not be embarrassed. Yet, revealing our true selves is a scary thing and can lead to rejection. However, we know that God will not reject us, and that God’s grace and love is enough. God looks at our heart and will always see our true selves. And if the world rejects us for who we are, we can always take refuge in God.

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank you for being our sanctuary when we seek refuge. Thank you for your everlasting grace and for the love you give us. As you look onto our hearts, transform us to be more holy and more loving creatures. Let your amazing grace transform us into the saints we are called to be.

Amen.

—Mark Keplinger

Day 27 | March 16

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.

—Genesis 12: 1-4

I don’t know many 75-year-olds who are willing to pack up their household, their wife, their nephew (Lot is mentioned further along in this story as Abram’s “brother’s son”) and head off into the unknown based on their faith—no matter how strong.

Abram had a lot of promises from God, making of him a great nation, telling him that he’d be a blessing and that those who cursed Abram would be cursed by God. Would that be enough for you or me to rent a trailer and take off? Even when most of our friends are retired. I’m not so sure.

But what if we tried in other ways to hear and heed God’s call? To be a blessing, to show our faith in new and more active ways? Are there things we can be doing (regardless of age) to show others that we love God and God loves us and, so, we love others? The Bible is filled with stories of folks who packed up all they had and left on an uncertain journey. They all had one thing in common: trusting God. Trusting God to lead them. Trusting God to provide for them. Trusting God to be there along the way. Can we trust God? Do we?

Prayer:

Gracious God, we know trust is hard to come by, especially in challenging times. Guide our footsteps that they stay true to the path you have laid out for us. Help us accept new challenges and callings with grace and joy.

Amen

—Mark Hager

Day 28 | March 17

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do, and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably. I have come to sacrifice to the Lord; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

—1 Samuel 16: 1-5

As someone who has engaged in politics my whole life and has, mistakenly, put my faith in politicians to do the right thing, this passage was a gut punch. It’s a reminder that even thousands of years ago humanity had corruption at the highest of levels that took the hand of God to fix.

When the Lord asks Samuel how long he plans to mourn Saul, this is asked from a posture of gentleness, for Samuel does not see how God is already working in his favor. The Lord then gives Samuel a command to do what I and so many of us have a hard time doing: move on and be a part of God’s greater plan. God does not say this as a means of putting down the one who was called, rather to lift Samuel to a special place in the greater plan.

This doesn’t come without sacrifice though. Just as Samuel is commanded to bring a sacrifice before the Lord, so must we. The Lord asks us to sacrifice the pride that blinds us when we put faith in a broken world run by broken systems that are run by broken people. The Lord’s command to us, as it is with Samuel, is to stop putting our trust in broken people, but rather in a plan that was and always will be perfect. The Lord says to us fear not for the future, for I have already walked it with you.

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that we as a church and as a society come to see Your greater plan illuminated before us. I pray for trust in times of pride, discernment in times of darkness, and for the leaders of our world, that they seek You in their heart and in their actions. In Your name I pray Lord. Amen.

—Christian Medrano

Day 29 | March 18

Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,

ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.

Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;

worship the Lord in holy splendor.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters;

the God of glory thunders,

the Lord, over mighty waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful;

the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

—Psalm 29: 1-4

The commentary for Psalm 29 titles it, “A Hymn to the God of the Storm”. It seems to be a play on words with a meaning that could be taken in either of two ways. It could be read to say, “God is the storm, full of lightning, thunder and wind, powerful and majestic.” This is even more apparent if you read all 11 verses. But the Psalm could also be taken to mean that God is the “God of the storm, the God above the storm, the God in the midst of the storms of life.” Maybe we need to hear it both ways.

In a world of Artificial Intelligence, weapons of mass destruction, so-called cultural influencers and so many manifestations of power, we would do well to remember that the God of truth and grace is both awesome and the final arbiter in the storms of life.

I commend to you a hymn. It is in our 1966 edition of The Methodist Hymnal but not in our current UM Hymnal. I’m not sure who made the mistake of omitting it. The hymn is “Once to Every Man and Nation,” a poem by James Russell Lowell set to music. All the words are deeply meaningful. The last line of the last verse simply references, “and behind the dim unknown, standeth God within the shadow keeping watch above his own.” It is good to remember amidst the storms of life, that there is One in the dim unknown, in the shadows, keeping watch above his own.

Prayer:

In the storms of life, O God, grant us confidence to know that all things pass away except grace and truth, therefore grant us courage so to live in the midst of the storm. Amen.

—Jim Bankston

Day 30 | March 19

O come, let us worship and bow down,

let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

For he is our God,

and we are the people of his pasture,

and the sheep of his hand.

O that today you would listen to his voice!

Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,

as on the day at Massah in the wilderness,

when your ancestors tested me,

and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work.

For forty years I loathed that generation

and said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,

and they do not regard my ways.’

Therefore in my anger I swore,

‘They shall not enter my rest.’

—Psalm 95: 6-11

The Psalmist calls back to Moses’ troubles in the desert when the Israelites held him responsible for not having any water. Moses struck the rock and the people’s thirst was quenched – at least for a time.

But the Psalmist also sees a God of love and forgiveness. While God’s heart may have been kindled against a “generation” that he loathed, he now offers the hand of the shepherd (a common theme in Psalms). A shepherd who wants reconciliation through good works and belief.

In Handel’s “Messiah,” the chorus sings “…for we like sheep have gone astray…” but God’s persistent call, quiet but forceful, seeks to bring us back into the fold. Back into God’s loving arms. God’s mercy. The generation God might have loathed is long past. God’s love is never ending and is for all.

Prayer:

We often go astray, O Redeemer, but we know that when we come back, you are there for us, willing to forgive, forget and move past our offenses, allowing us to be free of what keeps us separate. Help us to hear your call and to bear witness to your constant presence in our lives. Amen

—Mark Hager

Day 31 | March 20

But you, O mountains of Israel, shall shoot out your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they shall soon come home. See now, I am for you; I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown, and I will multiply your population, the whole house of Israel, all of it; the towns shall be inhabited and the waste places rebuilt, and I will multiply humans and animals upon you. They shall increase and be fruitful, and I will cause you to be inhabited as in your former times and will do more good to you than ever before. Then you shall know that I am the Lord. I will lead people upon you—my people Israel—and they shall possess you, and you shall be their inheritance. No longer shall you bereave them of children.

—Ezekiel 36: 8-12

I never know whether or not to consider myself lucky that I don’t really remember any “good old days.” I’ve had plenty of happy times in my personal life, but I was born in the ‘90s—my elementary school memories are tied up with the beginnings of a war in the Middle East, I was in high school when the 2008 financial crisis began, and my adulthood has seen the people of our country grow more and more polarized. There were good times in the midst of all that, certainly, but there were no “good old days.”

While that might sound like something to mourn, the prophet Ezekiel might say it’s a blessing not to have a golden age to look back to. Ezekiel is the prophet of the exile: he lived among the Judean deportees in Babylon, and through him, God promised a return to their homeland. Today’s text is full of promises of the blessings that will accompany that return, promises to the land itself that it will be a magnificent home for God’s people. But it won’t be like the good old days before the exile. No, it will be better, because God will do more good to the land—and to the people—than ever before. The prophet’s words remind us that it's very rarely helpful to look back to the “good old days,” because with God, the days ahead always hold the promise of rich blessings of grace, love, and growth.

Prayer:

O Lord, we thank you for all you have taught us over the course of our lives, and we thank you that you promise to continue teaching us and blessing us through all our years. Open our hearts and point us toward your good future, that we might come to that time when we realize you have done abundantly more in and through us than ever before. We pray this in Jesus’ most precious name. Amen.

—Trey Burns

Day 32 | March 21

And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”[b] 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[ will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

—Luke 1: 31-38

When I was invited to serve here, I asked myself, “How can this be?” My heart was full of questions, doubt, and wonder. I had other plans. Yet by the grace of God, I heard voices of reassurance: family, friends, and mentors. Slowly, I began to trust the call. Every time I sing “Here I Am, Lord,” in worship, I remember this moment, my voice breaks, my body chills, my eyes water, and I feel renewed strength rising in my call to serve.

Like Mary in Luke 1:31–38, we encounter invitations that surprise, stretch, and call us to be fully present. They come in moments of comfort but also amid challenge when systems overlook, silence, or judge. These invitations ask us to notice, witness, and respond with humility, care, and courage, embracing the overlooked, the unheard, and the unexpected.

For those shaped by movement, marginalization, or exclusion, the call persists, rising within to shape patience, insight, and determination. As we approach Holy Week and Easter, let us lean into the wonder of “How can this be?” attuned to the subtle invitations around us, and walk faithfully into the life, hope, and love offered to all.

How will you notice and respond to the calls asking for your courage and presence today?

Prayer:

God, open our eyes to the subtle calls of love around us. Strengthen us to respond with courage and grace. Let our life witness love, hope, justice, and renewal. Amen

—Nataly Negrete

Day 33 | March 22

So Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a kid and sent them by his son David to Saul. And David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.” And whenever the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand, and Saul would be relieved and feel better, and the evil spirit would depart from him.

—1 Samuel 16: 19-23

Think of it: one day you are the youngest son of eight brothers, relegated to the fields to tend the sheep for a fairly powerful father. The next minute you are called home and put into service for Samuel. Armor bearer, musician, aide-de-camp. Things are going to get violent in a bit, but you don’t yet know how your name will go down in history.

What happens when we hear a call like this one? Not sure of what’s next, uncertain about what it will all mean. Trying to understand both what your father wants and what your new master expects. It can be confusing and, at times, paralyzing.

Our cast in the Bible doesn’t know what’s coming next (we do, since we’ve “read ahead”). But the regular stepping out and stepping up in faith to fight real battles against real enemies relying on God’s providence? That’s a pretty big step for anyone. Yet, God also provides music – through David – to soothe Samuel’s troubled mind.

Old Testament stories like this one gives us hope through faith. Faith in a God that sees beyond our imaginations, who takes us and cares for us and prepares us for what life might throw at us – regardless of our current age or occupation.

Prayer:

Heavenly Creator, give us heart and strength to be ready to move in faith where you direct. Keep our hearts open and our minds nimble to be ready to be of service to you while we feel your spirit working through us. Let us make music in our own way to soothe those who are troubled. Amen.

—Mark Hager

Day 35 | March 24

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them.

—Ephesians 5: 8-11

How many times have I stubbed my toe or stepped on a Lego because I was trying to pass through my child's room in the dark? Too many to count!

When darkness and light are contrasted in scripture, there's no one way to take it. Sometimes the burning sunlight is compared to the cool shelter of a shady tree, in which case it's the darkness that we long for. However, in this passage from Ephesians, the darkness is a place of confusion, misdirection and potential for evil. It is unfruitful or unhelpful because you can't see clearly. While you can see dangers and avoid them by daylight, nighttime is another story. The light is the dawning of understanding the will of God, the ability to see the goal and work towards it. As children of God, we're called to not only embrace that illumination, but we can embody it for others. The text says, "you ARE light".

As living examples of the goodness of God, trying to do what is good and right and true, we can let the light shine into corners where our shame, secrecy, and failures hide. When we are open about our need for God's grace, we can embolden others to do the same. That doesn't hide our failures but allows the light to reveal that these temptations and faults do not have the ultimate power over us. In God's light, there is hope, redemption, and new creation!

Prayer:

Gracious and loving God,

Thank you for leading us in your path.

Thank you for being our light and including us in your work.

Illuminate for us the places in our lives where there is greed, corruption, and immorality-not for our shame but for our recovery.

Guide us toward what is good and right and true-what you desire for us and for all your children.

Let our lives reflect the light of your grace.

Amen.

—Kate Flint

Day 36 | March 25

To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason, the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed, it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, then the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

—Romans 8: 6-11

In his letters, Paul spends a great deal of time telling us “who we belong to” and makes it clear: we belong to God. There’s usually not a lot of sugar coating (in fact, much of the time, Paul’s admonitions are delivered sugar free). If we focus on the wrong things, in this passage focusing on the flesh and the fleshly things, we are missing the point. If we focus on the spirit, then we are focusing on life.

It's easy, especially in these days, to let our focus wander. Our interests jump from item to item almost hourly if not every five minutes. Something new is over here, now it’s over there. We can be like cats following a laser pointer. Our FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) drives us to distraction. Several recent studies now indicate that many school students are happier without their phones in class. As our attention spans shorten, we are even more susceptible to falling into the trap Paul worries about for us.

But there’s hope. Hope in a God who is always there, dwelling within us: the Spirit of God. Paul assures us that if we have Christ in us, God will give us life, animating us to do good works. We can turn our fear of missing out into the wonder of living a life of “joyful obedience.”

Prayer:

Remind us, Great Creator, we are yours. Use us as you wish to do good works with your spirit guiding us, lifting us up and keeping us safe. Help us to keep our focus on the eternal you and not the distractions of this temporary world. Amen.

—Mark Hager

Day 37 | March 26

Therefore God exalted him even more highly and gave him the name that is above every other name, so that at the name given to Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

—Philippians 5: 8-11

Paul wasn’t around for the question, “What’s in a name?” But he certainly wants to make sure his friends in Philippi knew where he was coming from. Specific instructions that, I expect, he wanted followed to the letter.

I’ve worshipped in mainline congregations where, indeed, at the name of Jesus the congregants either bowed or knelt. They take the same actions in Gospel passages where Jesus is speaking. It can, at first, be surprising or even strange. But I realized it keeps people “in the worship.” For them, it’s not some rote action, but an acknowledgement that they are both paying attention and listening closely to what is either being said about Jesus or by Jesus.

How do we react when we hear Jesus’ name? And, what do we hear when we hear Jesus’ name? It’s a regular feature in our New Testament lessons. When we hear his name, while our knees may not bend, we should hear his truth, his teaching, his call to us. Jesus’ name should be powerful in our lives and should sustain us not only in good times but in challenging times. A name that is, indeed, above all other names.

Prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, remind us that through Jesus we are yours and we are connected to you. Bear us up in times that are both good and bad, reminding us of the sacrifice of your son for us to live lives of justice, freedom and peace. And, it is in Jesus’ name we bow and humbly acknowledge your presence in our lives. Amen.

—Mark Hager

Day 38 | March 27

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my supplications!

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,

Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with you,

so that you may be revered.

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

more than those who watch for the morning,

more than those who watch for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!

For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

and with him is great power to redeem.

It is he who will redeem Israel

from all its iniquities.

—Psalm 130

I’ll admit it, I am an impatient driver because I truly hate waiting. I don’t like having to wait on others to get to where I’m going. I’ve always thought somebody must be first. Why shouldn’t it be me?

I have come to appreciate that there is growth in waiting and there is hope in waiting. That hope is what I appreciate the most. Especially the kind of hope the Psalmist describes by saying, “My soul waits for the Lord, more than those who watch for the morning."

I have never been a watchman assigned to wait for the light of morning, but a few years ago, Lisa and I had the amazing opportunity to observe a sunrise over the Haleakala Crater in Hawaii. We had to wake up early to be on the tour bus at 4 a.m., to ascend the mountain and get into the ‘perfect spot.’ As I was impatiently waiting in the cold of the morning and thinking to myself, “was this really worth it?” a beautiful sunrise peaked over the crater and all doubt was erased from my mind as I was reminded of God’s beauty. Our souls waiting on the Lord is not passive waiting, but active, hopeful anticipation knowing that God’s light will break through the darkness of every morning or situation that lies ahead of us.

Whatever waiting looks like for you today...may you and I both embrace this vision of active and expectant longing...believing that God through his steadfast love will hear us and redeem us.

Prayer:

God, let us all remember that you redeem both personally and collectively. Let us hold fast to the unwavering hope found in you and encourage others to place their hope in You as well. In the stillness of waiting, may we discover your profound presence and see your transformative power in our lives. Help us to remain steadfast as our souls wait for the Lord. Remind us often that your love is abundant. Amen.

—Tiffin Wilsford

Day 39 | March 28

When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet.” Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived?” So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

—John 7: 40-44

While a prophet and a rabbi, Jesus was also an “ignitor.” He started a conversation between people that caused them to question their own beliefs and their own prejudices. Arguments among the crowd about where he was from, that “they’d read” the Messiah was “supposed to come from Bethlehem” and that this guy was from Galilee which, to them, was a disqualifier. That started an argument with Jesus’ supporters who didn’t care about boundaries or what others thought had to be true.

Too often, we get caught up in minutiae and miss the whole point. Similar to when someone is quick to point out “well, it’s not Champagne if it’s not from the Champagne region of France…then it’s just sparkling wine.” Right. OK. Thanks. We spend a lot of time zeroing in on a single thing we think we’ve discovered that allows us to discount the larger picture. Broadening our horizons frees us from “that one thing that annoys me” to see a more complete vision.

Like working a jigsaw puzzle, instead of discarding a piece we don’t like, we can take each piece, find where it fits, and eventually see the full view.

Prayer:

O God, give me grace to see all that you have created, rather than finding the one thing that annoys me. Let me see and hear and speak with love, knowing that your presence in my life is the whole picture. Amen.

—Mark Hager

Palm Sunday | March 29

“But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

—Psalm 31: 14-15

You are my God and I am not. Thank goodness for that. This is the simplest of truths; however, easily forgotten. Hermann Ebbinghaus was a psychologist who found that within an hour we forget half of new information and 75 percent within the day. To counter our human forgetfulness, he proposed spaced repetition and overlearning a fact to counter the loss.

God knows this part of our human condition so well that he tells us this repeatedly because he did not make us to carry that weight, so he sent his prophets to remind us of this truth. First with Moses in Exodus 20:3 “you must not have any god but me” where God is giving us the permission to let go of our agenda because we are ultimately not gods but creatures. In the Psalm today, David echoes this truth back to God in verse 14 proclaiming “You are my God” to remind himself of God is Lord of all rather than fear, isolation, loneliness, or anxiety being his God.

Forgetfulness does not end with the ancient people but continues today. This is seen today through our weekly proclamation that God is God, and we are not through the Apostles Creed gifted by the saints that came before us.

Prayer:

O God, you did not make us to struggle in isolation and unattainable expectations, but made us to thrive knowing the truth that you care for us deeply and you are for us. Help us to listen to you in this season of what little we are being called to give to you, the true God. Make us a little uncomfortable and spur us to move towards you. In the name of Christ who knows all fully. Amen

—Lauren Cross

Holy Monday | March 30

Then Jesus cried aloud: “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness. I do not judge anyone who hears my words and does not keep them, for I came not to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; on the last day the word that I have spoken will serve as judge, for I have not spoken on my own, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment about what to say and what to speak.

—John 12: 44-49

In this passage from the twelfth chapter of John’s Gospel, we are reminded that our faith is not just some transactional agreement we have with God but rather living out our trust in God’s light as revealed in the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

When Jesus says that to believe in him is to believe in God, he pulls us into a relationship that is grounded in grace. In our United Methodist tradition, John Wesley would call this prevenient grace -- the grace that goes before. The grace that is there when we don’t even realize it is there. A grace that invites us into the light.

It is another reminder that Jesus came into the world to save and that calls for a response from us. We are reminded that we work with God and that changes lives. To walk in the light means that our lives line up with the teachings of Jesus—loving our neighbors, seeking justice, caring for God’s creation—are all marks of discipleship.

In this Lenten season, and especially during Holy Week, I would remind you that we are filled with the Holy Spirit to reflect the light of Christ in the world.

Here’s another breath prayer for you to practice.

Inhale - Lord Jesus, you are light…

Exhale - ...help me to shine your light.

—Jeff McDonald

Holy Tuesday | March 31

Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

—John 12:24

For a carpenter, Jesus knew a lot about agriculture and used his knowledge to relate to everyday people the truths about the kingdom of God and his mission as the savior of the world.

In this passage, Jesus makes a brilliant analogy comparing his death to a planted grain of wheat. Turns out a grain of wheat will never live out its potential until it is planted in the ground.

Every seed has what’s called a “seed coat.” It’s the protective outer layer of a seed that protects the embryo inside. Although alive, the embryo remains dormant until the seed is placed in the ground. That’s when the seed coat breaks open and dies, exposing the embryo to the nutrients it needs to become a living plant that produces fruit and eventually more seeds.

Jesus is explaining that it’s time for his “seed coat” to die so that he can be raised up as the fruit-bearing seed-producing savior of the world. That’s what he means when he says in John 12:23, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.”

Jesus wants it known that his death is a necessary sacrifice that will bear the gift of salvation and the fruit of eternal life for those that follow him. And when I read the rest of the passage in John 12, I hear Jesus calling all of us to submerge ourselves in the good soil of God’s word so that we rise to bear good fruit for those around us.

Prayer:

Heavenly father, just as Jesus did, help us to not just live for ourselves but to give ourselves away so that the lives we live are spiritually fruitful, serve others, and bring glory to God. Amen.

—Irv White

Holy Wednesday | April 1

While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

—Matthew 26: 26-28

The word “take” here is striking. Even though it’s always there when we recount the last supper, it somehow feels more forceful when you just read this small excerpt. It’s striking because I most often think of this meal as one in which we “receive.” I have often argued that the appropriate posture when coming forward for communion is one of open hands, ready and waiting for the server to put the bread into them, because we cannot grasp or grab at or take grace. Except according to Jesus here, we can, and we must.

The word used here - lambano - is almost equally translated as “take” (106 times) and “receive” (133 times), but somehow in my mind these two actions are distinct. One indicates an action, while the other suggests a posture. And perhaps, partly because I will never be able to resolve the tension that exists here, I wonder if Jesus meant it to be both? Grace is both a gift to be received, not taken for granted but accepted with joyous and humble gratitude, and grace is to be taken into ourselves, to transform us and to move us into the world as different people.

Prayer:

God of grace, thank you for the gift of your body, your blood, and this week. Let us receive this story again with gratitude and humility. Let us take you into ourselves that going out into the world we may be reflections of your love for others.

—Brandi Horton

Maundy Thursday | April 2

After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had reclined again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, slaves are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

—John 13: 12-17

One of the most important parts of the Lent and Holy Week is allowing the presence of God to shape us more into the likeness of Christ through sacrifice and service. As usual, Jesus gives us the perfect example of humility in John 13. There, he washes the feet of all the disciples, even Judas, the one he already knew would betray him. While that action alone is hard enough for us to swallow, Jesus does not stop there. Instead, the Son of Man tells the disciples that they are to do the same and that they will be blessed by doing so. While I can imagine and maybe hope you will not be doing any literal feet washing, this action is what Lent and Holy Week is all about: following Christ’s example and taking a posture of humility, even among those we may struggle to get along with.

One of the many beautiful things about Jesus is he never demands of his followers what he is unwilling to do himself. As we move through HolyWeek and beyond, commit to doing an act of kindness for someone else, expecting nothing in return. When we serve with humble hearts, we follow in Christ’s footsteps.

Prayer:

Selfless God, thank you for who you are and what you’ve done for us. Please shape us more and more in your likeness as we pursue you in humility. In Christ’s name. Amen.

—Laura Althaus

Good Friday | April 3

And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

—Matthew 27:46

When I was in sixth grade, my parents were both working and Good Fridaywasn’t a day off work for them and we didn’t have Good Friday church services in the denomination I grew up in. Since I was out of school, I went to stay with friends of my parents for the day. A day that started out sunny but cool in Albuquerque began to turn cloudy and colder as the morning wore on. Shortly after we’d had lunch, the skies became even darker and a hailstorm began. Weather in the desert can quickly change. And, after an hour of lightning and hail, the sun came back out and we went outside to play.

That Good Friday has stayed with me all these years. Accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion include a weather report of skies darkening and an earthquake. It’s over. Today is the darkest day in Christendom. No hope. No light. No joy. We are called to repent, to finally and fully admit our faults. A forsaken people working to get right with God. We realize that we come through death to find new life, free from what holds us back. That we are now free from our own egos and plans. There is light, but we must wait on it.

Prayer:

Almighty God, into your hands we commit our whole selves. Use us this day. Remake us. Restore us. Renew us. Let us pass through death into the life you have called us to live. Amen.

—Mark Hager

Holy Saturday | April 4

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

—Luke 23:50-56

Jesus' story is of someone fully divine and fully human. While his resurrection was fully divine, it seems his burial was fully human. This passage in Luke contains shockingly mundane and grounded activities (given what came before it and what comes after it) happening immediately following Jesus' death.

I'm surprised how much it reminds me of the proceedings today after someone dies. When my father passed away a few years ago, my internal world was turned upside down. However, in the immediate aftermath, my external world had rhythm and rituals much like this story. We completed paperwork to move the body from the hospital to the funeral home. We made big decisions about the final resting place. And we prepared for the funeral events. To my surprise, much of this process is unemotional, rational even, to follow the protocols after the death of a person.

So too was the experience of the people in this passage. On a casual reading, these details may seem trivial to include in this grand story of Jesus's sacrifice. Who really cares whether the women went back home to prepare burial spices and perfumes? Get to the big resurrection part already! But I find it poetic and in line with the life of Jesus that his death proceedings were also so very human.

Prayer:

Lord, at my next encounter with the passing of a loved one, help me recall that you can be found even in death. That you have taken that journey too and you are with me even in that journey.

—Josh Miller

Easter Sunday | April 4

What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Look, I will tell you a mystery! We will not all die, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When this perishable body puts on imperishability and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?

Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

—1 Corinthians 15: 50-58

“Set me as a seal upon thine heart,

as a seal upon thine arm:

for love is strong as death.

Many waters cannot quench love,

neither can the floods drown it.”

While reading this passage from 1 Corinthians for Easter, my “mind’s ear” began to hear the St. Paul’s Choir singing William Walton’s moving anthem "Set Me as a Seal" about the transformative power of Love which changes us. Drawing from the Song of Solomon, the poem makes a staggering claim that Love can rival the finality of the grave.

The Easter Resurrection elevates this poetic hope into a cosmic reality. Today, Paul reveals that through Christ, Love does not merely match death; it swallows it up in victory. While the "many waters" of the fallen world attempt to quench the divine spark, they fail against the "imperishable" nature of the risen Lord.

Death, once the "sting" that ended every story, is rendered powerless. Walton’s soaring music declares Love which is "strong as death" has become, in Christ, Love that conquers death. We are no longer bound by the corruptible; we are sealed by the Eternal.

Prayer:

Lord, set me as a seal upon your heart confirming your promise that Love is stronger than Death as witnessed through the Resurrection of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ whose Love brings us Everlasting Life. Amen.

—Brad Harmes