Lenten Prayer Journal + 2018
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The Holy Spirit nudges us, awakening our awareness if we listen. You are invited to use the below journal prompts as a daily meditation during the season of Lent. These points can help guide your journey:
+ Ruth Lee |
Daily Journal Prompts
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Wednesday, February 14 - Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Writing Prompt: The Israelites were called to fast, but God wasn’t looking for just outward appearances. God wanted their hearts to be turned. Write about where God may be calling for your heart to change. Prayer/Reflection As the hymn in our worship book (ELW 801) says: Change my heart O God, make it ever true Change my heart O God, may I be like you. Help me O God–to examine my own heart, mind and life. Help me to love others as you love me Help me to align my behavior and decisions with your self-giving love and grace. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. ~ Pastor Red Burchfield Thursday, February 15
Psalm 51:1-17 Writing Prompt: Pieces of our Lutheran liturgy come directly from scripture, such as verses 10-12 “Create in Me a Clean Heart”. Try writing your own offertory or piece of liturgy. Prayer/Reflection Lord, you know my heart. I bring no words, no petitions with me right now. Just a moment to be still and commune with you in gratitude and love. Search my heart and cleanse it. Show me a better way—so that I may help someone else who is struggling. May all my senses absorb and celebrate your beautiful creation. ~ Norma Aamodt-Nelson Friday, February 16
2 Corinthians 5:2-b-6:10 Writing Prompt: What catches your attention? Write about it in an email to a friend. Prayer/Reflection My Lord God, Hallowed be Your Name! Thank You that Your love is always the first and last Word in all that we do. We remember that Your Son Jesus died for all of us, giving us a whole new life and a fresh start. His great love and His sacrifice persuades us to do this Holy Work of making things right among us. This is the right time to do this! We pray that we can accomplish this, in the Name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Amen. ~ Ingrid Huff Saturday, February 17
Mark 6:1-6, 16-21 Writing Prompt: The hometown people recognized the external Jesus but they couldn’t accept him in a position of wisdom and leadership much less as Messiah. In your written prayer lift up a current need for visionaries to guide the way toward healing and change. Prayer/Reflection When Jesus returned to Nazareth and began preaching, all were amazed at first—but then in the next breath they couldn’t accept that someone so common, so known to them, could actually deliver a message of salvation and healing. Jesus couldn’t perform miracles for them because of their unbelief, and was amazed that they couldn’t get past his commonality. How many people around us convey that message of salvation, healing and grace every day? Do we ignore them, reject their message because they are too common, too known? Are we missing out on Jesus’ miracles because of our unbelief? Perhaps we need to listen more closely, hear God’s message delivered in the places we least expect it, by the people who seem too common. Oh Holy One, open the minds of your followers to hear your word, our souls to accept it, and guide our words and actions to reflect it. ~ Lynn Landers Sunday, February 18 - First Sunday of Lent
Psalm 9:8-17 Writing Prompt: The rainbow is a reminder of God’s covenant with us and every living thing. Take the time to be aware of all the life that is around you. Use your written prayer to invite God’s help to stay mindful. Prayer/Reflection Creator God, Still, we gaze at all that surrounds us, looking up to see your wondrous glory in the skies, and down, to examine even the ground on which we stand. It is all more than we can comprehend, all so much bigger than ourselves. In the rainbow and clouds; in the hummingbirds, the trees, and the mountains; even in the puddles at our feet, we sense your majesty and yet the nearness of your presence. We take comfort in your promise, that in the vastness and complexities of our world, you are with us. Amen ~ Debbie Jeske Monday, February 19
Psalm 25:1-10 Writing Prompt: Being human we follow our own ways, yet God is the ultimate teacher, loving and caring, and available to guide usExplore what different path God may be indicating or instructing in this season. Prayer/Reflection Lord, I lift up my life to you and trust you to teach and guide me to make the right choices and decision, even as I struggle with my strong-will and independent nature. If I’m humble and open, you will show me the right ways with your steady love and faithfulness. ~ JHB Tuesday, February 20
1 Peter 3:18-22 Writing Prompt: Think about Bible stories in which water plays a role. Write about the importance of water. Prayer/Reflection God, who is rich in mercy and love, gives us a new birth into a living hope through the sacrament of baptism. By water and the Word God delivers us from sin and death and raises us to new life in Jesus Christ. We are united with all the baptized in the one body of Christ, anointed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and joined in God's mission for the life of the world. Wednesday, February 21
Mark 1: 9-11 Writing Prompt: Jesus heard a voice from heaven that God was pleased with him. Do you feel God is pleased with you? Write how that impacts your life. Prayer/Reflection Creator God, You lovingly created me and I am your beloved. I know that, yet some times I need reminders. When my actions are unlovely, Or I am trying to earn your approval, Remind me that I am beloved. I feel your smile When I take that uncertain step forward of faith. I also feel your gentle response When I have been honest and shouted at you. I feel the gentle touch on my shoulder Turning me from the path I've been on To see a magnificent expanse in a new direction. May I notice the signs of your pleasure in me, Absorbing deep within my soul, And may I live my life with that recognition . ~ Ruth Lee Thursday, February 22
Mark 1:12-13 Writing Prompt: Jesus experienced a season of wilderness. Are you also experiencing that season? Let your written prayer give voice to your aches and longings. Prayer/Reflection Dear Lord, Thank you being in my life and for the many blessings in my life. Thank you for creating me your image. Jesus experienced a season in the wilderness. He REALLY knows me, and loves me. He had longings, pain and suffering..... The angels ministered! WOW (Let's pray more and pray for others) The Season passed..... (40 days is over - Change is constant) Praise GOD from whom all blessings flow! (God is Great Always) Jesus ministers to us and we are forgiven. (Amen!) Thanks be to God. ~ Irene Austvold Friday, February 23
Mark 1:14-15 Writing Prompt: Jesus preached repentance and belief. Let your written prayer give voice to confession and a longing to believe. Prayer/Reflection Forgive me loving God, forgive my desire to control you and everything else around me. Forgive me for excusing myself while being judgmental of others. Forgive me for being crabby and hard-hearted toward others who are crabby and hard-hearted. I know that gratitude is a sign of maturity and trust in your grace. Open my eyes to your presence in those around me. Help me to grateful for your love and give me the desire to trust your gift of grace. Through Jesus Christ, the Lord of grace I pray. Amen. ~ Pastor Red Burchfield Saturday, February 24
Psalm 19:14 Writing Prompt: Use today to go back and review passages and journaling to this point. Jot down thoughts that arise. Prayer/Reflection Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Sunday, February 25 - Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 17:1-8 Writing Prompt: God made a covenant with Abraham. Let your prayer be thanksgiving for God’s personal covenant with you in your life. Prayer/Reflection God appeared to Abram. God came in person to have a conversation and make a covenant, a promise with Abram. Renames him from Abram (exalted ancestor) to Abraham (ancestor of a multitude). A promise, an everlasting covenant to be his God and to be God to generations. To be my God. A promise, a covenant with me! My God! I live in a covenant relationship with my God. My God has carried me through times of great sorrow and times of great, great joy. A life of relationship that gives hope for me, my family and future generations. My God who makes a promise to be present in my life. Amazing! Thank you God. You are faithful and I am yours. I can close my eyes and rest in you. Amen. ~ Cliff Bronson Monday, February 26
Genesis 17:9-17 Writing Prompt: God named Sarah also in the covenant and promised a son by her. Write about this promise or other absurdities of God Prayer/Reflection Father, your promise to Sarah seems impossible! A baby at 90 years old? And yet, your promise to the world is your son Jesus. The greatest gift imaginable. Forgive me for doubting what you can do. Your power and love are beyond my imagination. Amen ~ Sandra Schneider Tuesday, February 27
Psalm 22:23-31 Writing Prompt: The Psalmist offers praise and directs others to praise God. What does it mean to praise God? Some people offer praise through the arts which may speak something that touches at a deep level. What forms may your praise take? Prayer/Reflection Praise starts with my daily devotions: 1. Praise God for the gift of life daily. 2. Praise God for blessings. 3. Praise God for healing. 4. Praise God for the ability to serve God… bringing happiness, peace and love to all. I give thanks for the gift of each new day. ~ J.V. Wednesday, February 28
Romans 4:13-25 Writing Prompt: Righteousness means acting in accord with divine or moral law, free from guilt or sin. What catches your attention here? Prayer/Reflection “The words were written not for him alone, but for us.” I get up at night sometimes, when the house is dark. I feel comfortable even though there are no lights on. I know the way around, I have been there before. Sometimes I bump into things and receive a little scratch or bruise, but I will remember that spot the next time. When life bumps into me, I know I have a partner, I am not alone. “Only believe, only believe all things are possible, only believe.” ~ John Judd Thursday, March 1
Mark 8:31-34 Writing Prompt: Jesus rebukes Peter. Do you also hear a rebuke today from God? Prayer/Reflection Dear God, forgive me for trying to guide and correct you. Help me accept the opportunities and challenges in my life. Help me experience them with confidence that you are with me and desire nothing but good for me. Amen ~ David Nasby Friday, March 2
Mark 8:35-38 Writing Prompt: Following God is not always easy. During this time of transition at Trinity, write about what following God means. Prayer/Reflection What does following God really mean?? Often we are too timid (ashamed )to share the good news of the gospel in our daily lives and contacts with people of many faiths and ideas. Since music has always been part of my life, the verse that comes to me is appropriate for this Lenten season. "Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present (tribute) far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” Verse four of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, ELW #803 ~ EdnaMae Olufson-Smith Saturday, March 3
Psalm 19:14 Writing Prompt: Use today to go back and review passages and journaling to this point. Jot down thoughts that arise. Prayer/Reflection Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Sunday, March 4
Exodus 20:1-17 Writing Prompt: Try reading this passage in the Message translation and see if you hear in a different way. Write about the changes. Prayer/Reflection The Ten Commandments The straightforward language that bans murder, adultery, lying and theft lays down law for all the ages of our world’s existence. Yet the elaborations for some of the other commandments—particularly the second commandment—ring harshly. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My Commandments.” A jealous God? A God who would “visit the iniquity of the fathers on the children,” their children’s children and into the next generation as well? These strike me as anthropomorphic descriptions of a God determined to sway the newly-freed Israelites from their lingering worship of Baal. The ban on images of God condemns Michelangelo’s paintings across the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and countless other works of art. In context, it was meant as a ban on the making of the golden calf, which was an object of worship of Baal. I do not recognize God in these characterizations; I see instead a god in the service of Moses and other priests who needed absolutes from a wrathful deity to control these former slaves. Boil this language away, and the commandments regain their divine authority: 1. You shall have no other gods before Me 2. You shall not practice idolatry 3. You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain 4. Remember the Sabbath 5. Honor your mother and father 6. You shall not murder 7. You shall not commit adultery 8. You shall not steal 9. You shall not bear false witness 10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s spouse or belongings ~ Jim Landers Monday, March 5
Matthew 5:21-28 Writing Prompt: When we remember that God is with us, not just that God is with me, we begin to realize that we are not simply members of community but shapers of community, and we are shaped by community. Our God is a God of community. Write about your place within the community. Prayer/Reflection Heavenly Father, help each of us in the Trinity community to open our hearts to each other, to accept and to give love. Fill our hearts with your Spirit so we can understand and embrace forgiveness and to reconcile as we go into a new year and new transitions. Help each of us to approach our community with humility, to learn from each other and to receive each other. Amen ~ Christena Greenlee Tuesday, March 6
Psalm 19 Writing Prompt: The psalm is a celebration of 3 great gifts of God: creation, Torah (Word), and forgiveness. In your prayer give thanks for the particular ways these gifts have been shown in your life and the life of your community. Prayer/Reflection Non-verbal communication – “speaking” without words Day to day this “speaking” pours forth – it’s continual It’s abundant Verbal communication – the Torah God’s Torah is perfect true sure right God’s “words” come to us from both the Book of Nature and the Book of Scripture May my words in response be somehow adequate May they be words of humble gratitude ~ Jeff Tobin Wednesday, March 7
1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Writing Prompt: Where do we find wisdom today? What is the wisdom that drives you? That drives Trinity? That drives our country? Prayer/Reflection My Lord God, Hallowed be Your Name! When we in sorrow and awe remember Christ dying on the Cross in order that we might be brought to the Way of Salvation, we are humbled that You loved us so much. We thank you God our Father that You, because of Your great love for us, personally called us to part of Your great miracle of Christ's life, death, resurrection. We are renewed only through Your great wisdom. Praise be to God the Father, God the Son and to the Holy Spirit Forever. Amen. ~ Ingrid Huff Thursday, March 8
John 2:13-17 Writing Prompt: Was Jesus saying to clear space for God? Write about what may be necessary to clear out in your life. Prayer/Reflection Oh Lord, There are so many things that need to be cleared out from me...different categories... Feelings: fear, anger, impatience, inadequacy ... Thoughts triggered by those feelings: a re-run of pain people caused me a word of gossip that could hurt a greed for more of so much... Actions that keep me from you Lord… busy-ness that puffs up ~ Marilyn Hall Friday, March 9
John 2:18-22 Writing Prompt: The Jews, just like us, wanted signs and proof. Write about where you see signs of God. Prayer/Reflection Have I been given a sign and didn’t recognized it? Yet when I look at your creation and see the mountains with the heavenly glow upon them that changes as you watch, I see God. Yes, I have been given a sign and how can I not believe? ~ Linda Nasby Saturday, March 10
Psalm 19:14 Writing Prompt: Use today to reflect on your journaling prayers to this point. Anything new surface? Prayer/Reflection Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Sunday, March 11
Numbers 21:4-9 Writing Prompt: The Hebrews who wandered through the wilderness did not experience God as a safe and comfortable companion. In what ways is God a dangerous, unpredictable presence in your life? Prayer/Reflection Help. I need help. Desperate prayers in the wilderness. Angry prayers. Feeling abandoned by God. Harder to pray when angry and feeling abandoned. Or maybe it is easier to pray, as the traveling companions of fear, fatigue and hunger can help with my focus, even if they don’t help me remember how God has been with me in the past. My prayer sounds like blaming, complaining, whining, creative worrying, intentional forgetfulness. Trust is difficult—are you listening to me God? Yet, why would you listen to me complain and whine, again? I am consumed at times by worry, shame, self-blame—I beg that God helps me unwrap the tight cloak of these that are smothering me, and gently assist me to walk freely into and through the unknown. Help me set down the burden of my needs for more reassurance and certainty, as these needs are heavy and not helping. Please help me simply be present in every step. I ask God’s grace for strength enough to simply take the next steps, even off-balance, painful and weary ones. I remember earlier in this wilderness God bringing water from a rock. I pray that memory can generate hope and courage. ~ Ted Haase Monday, March 12
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Writing Prompt: God demonstrated steadfast love throughout the Israelites history. Write about examples of that steadfastness in your life. Prayer/Reflection Before I entered this world, you were there When I was afraid of the dark as a child, I called you and you came From that moment on I knew you would be with m? through all of life’s painful events even when that same pain blinded my ability to feel you near. There have been confusing and fragmenting events with distorted and conflicting perspectives. Choices made Words said Loss, fear, anger, despair Times I felt alone But always I knew I could find you “Jesus loves me this I know…” “Jesus is everywhere.” Childhood words true today Often carrying me to remind me that you are my rock With age comes more wisdom, experience, practice, more discipline You sent me teachers You gave me faith You gave me grace You gave me hope I look back on your enduring, steadfast love in my life, undeserved and given without asking I am humbled I am in awe I am overwhelmed I don’t have words And so I dance and sing and play and write ~ Your loving servant Tuesday, March 13
Ephesians 2:1-10 Writing Prompt: In this passage Paul writes repeatedly that we are saved through grace. Write about what grace tastes like, smells like, feels like, looks like, and sounds like. Prayer/Reflection God, the giver of all good gifts. We received your favor, because you are a giver. We received your mercy, so you could show your love, a gift that cannot be earned. We received you grace, so that we could love and be loved. We are a masterpiece because your creation is a masterwork that is still unfolding. Remind me that Christ has brought this gift to me and to all who have faith in Jesus. Amen ~ David Greenlee Wednesday, March 14
Ephesians 6:10-18 Writing Prompt: The author advises readers to use the gifts and armor of God. What gifts of the Spirit do you need for this day or this season of your life? Prayer/Reflection Oh God! These are scary times. I feel evil in the world. I need you. Please help me to be brave and make my faith strong. I long to be filled with your spirit! In your name I pray. Amen ~ Sandra Schneider Thursday, March 15
James 5:7-11 Writing Prompt: There’s no joy in waiting patiently thru suffering. Yet God surprises us with strength and grace. Ask for the strength you need. Prayer/Reflection If life has become a suffering adventure, seek to pray and listen to the Lord for guidance. Nothing can be changed until suffering is faced. The Lord offers strength and hope for he is full of compassion and mercy. Life isn’t about what is thrown at you: it’s how you react to it. Jesus Christ is the example of living to the fullest! Amen. ~ Karen Kirkmire-Wilson Friday, March 16
John 3:14-21 Writing Prompt: To trust in Jesus is not simply to believe something about what happened long ago, but also to let our own lives be transformed by the Jesus we encounter. Let your prayer invite the Word Made Flesh to be present and real in your day. Prayer/Reflection God Living Word You aren't some long ago story. Be present in my here and now, Fill my spirit with your light. May I leave darkness behind Reaching always toward your light. Thank you for your continuing love Nourish me. Let your light reflect on me, Spilling over to a dark world around me. May I listen compassionately, May I also speak boldly for justice. ~ Ruth Lee Saturday, March 17
Psalm 19:14 Writing Prompt: Use today to reflect on your journey thru this Lenten season. Prayer/Reflection Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Sunday, March 18 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Jeremiah 31:31-34 Writing Prompt: Rather than laws written on stone, guidance will be written upon the hearts of the people. Their hearts will embody and empower the relationship shared with God and one another. Let your written prayer imagine what shape our unity could take if we followed that direction. Prayer/Reflection God, I am filled with wonder at this promise of your presence within me and written on my heart. You are there in the deepest part of my bring longing to make connection with my spirit. In this Lenten Season I desire to connect with you in ever deepening ways. Break down the hardness of my heart. The ways I try to keep tight control; the ways I fill my life with other things (even good things) so there is little room for you; the ways I try to ignore your still, small voice that invites me to change and to grow. May my heart be Soft and pliable to your Spirit Open and receptive to your voice Responsive and yielding to your grace. God, I give you my heart. Write on it what you will. ~ Sheryl Pennings Monday, March 19
Psalm 5:1-12 Writing Prompt: There is no place for arrogance in our lives when we are stunned by God’s great mercy. Whether we worship in silence, with bowed head and folded hands, or in jubilance with singing and dancing, our inner posture should be like David’s: humbly reverent. Let your prayer express worship. Prayer/Reflection Lord your Psalms tell me that God listens, and I joy in God listening to me. When I accept your listening, I am guided by your words. I learn from Jesus that I am accepted whether or not my actions are acceptable. I’m thankful for your listening, Lord. Amen ~ David Nasby Tuesday, March 20
Psalm 119:9-16 Writing Prompt: This psalm is an acrostic with 8 verses for each Hebrew letter of the alphabet. Write about how you hide the word in your heart, or how you meditate. Prayer/Reflection Gracious God, I know that wherever I am, you are there with me. But there are times that I need to be more intentional and focused.....I need to make time for you Now is a good time Help me to breathe slowly, to feel your life-giving presence in these moments Read.....Listen.....Wonder.....Wait Your Word is a treasure… a tiny seed, dying to seep into my heart, hoping for growth Read.....Listen.....Wonder.....Wait Thank you for your Word, for music that nourishes life, for writings that encourage faith Read.....Listen.....Wonder.....Wait Sometimes our time together reveals an explosive Epiphany… sometimes a faint, flickering Epiphany No matter what occurs, I remain grateful for your Word, stored in my heart Read.....Listen.....Wonder.....Wait Gracious God, Help me to be still and know...... that wherever I am, you are there with me. ~ Judy Schleusner Wednesday, March 21
Isaiah 41:10 Writing Prompt: Write a prayer about a fear, and let the presence and encouragement of God surround you with comfort. Prayer/Reflection O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 304, Evening Vespers. Thursday, March 22
Hebrews 5:5-10 Writing Prompt: When Jesus prayed, his prayers were not flowery but were real. “He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears.? In your writing today, don’t use church language. Speak honestly to God today. Prayer/Reflection Dear, God, Remember when Naomi had cancer and her death broke my heart, a needless ache Gut wrenching sobs in a silent room Longing for comfort Cancer Dear, God, It will not take my mom Tears are my voice They scream, Enough! Enough! It is a crude, loud sound I do not recognize Dear God… ~ Lori Schmidt Friday, March 23
John 12:20-33 Writing Prompt: Jesus is preparing his disciples for more than his death, but also for the resurrection and ascension. What needs to die in order for new growth? Prayer/Reflection Holy God, Let my fear die, to grow hope… Let my attention shift to from the negative, to grow wholeness… Let my distractions dim, to grow my focus on you... ~ Marilyn Hall Saturday, March 24
Psalm 19:14 Writing Prompt: Reflect on your journey Prayer/Reflection Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Sunday, March 25
Isaiah 50:4-9a Writing Prompt: What will God help you to speak? Prayer/Reflection In this reading, I hear God’s call not only to His people in exile, but to me as well. God has given me open ears to hear, the tongue of a teacher, and the assurance that He will help me. May our ears ever be open to the word of God and our mouths ever ready to speak a word of comfort. ~ Liz Gimmestad Monday, March 26
Psalm 31:9-16 Writing Prompt: David laments his fate, yet he always returns to the truth that he believes God is in charge of his life and can be trusted. Let your prayer be a lament. Prayer/Reflection Gracious God, my life is a mess. I hear you say to me: Have no fear Yet I am scared, frightened, hopeless, doubtful, anxious, worried I hear you say to me: Love your neighbor Yet I am annoyed, jealous, hate-filled, resentful I hear you say to me: Love your enemies and pray for those who mistreat you Yet I am unforgiving, divisive, hardhearted I hear you say to me: Feed my lambs, take care of my sheep Yet I am apathetic, buried in selfishness, unwilling to reach out to my brothers & sisters, who are in desperate need I hear you say to me: I have searched your heart. I know you. I love you. I am amazed! You know me, and you still love me, Gracious God, my life is a mess; yet I thank you for loving me! ~ Judy Schleusner Tuesday, March 27
Philippians 2:5-11 Writing Prompt: What catches your attention? Prayer/Reflection My Lord God Jesus Christ, We are overwhelmed that You who are equal to God the Father willingly in agony humbled Yourself to become a mere human. By doing this great act you showed us how to live and to know God. You showed us by Your terrible suffering and death how great was Your love for us. We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who comforts us in Your earthy absence and we are gladdened that You once again are in glory with Your Father. In Your Holy Name, Amen. ~ Ingrid Huff Wednesday, March 28
Isaiah 41:10 Writing Prompt: What invitation is God extending to you? Prayer/Reflection Invitation to me? Just to me? Oh, that’s right? He knew my name before even before I was born. At the Passover Meal, he seems to have clearly asked each one of us to receive the bread and wine in his memory. Just maybe God’s invitation to me was to accept His invitation to be loved and to love in the same way that I know He loves me. How will I do that today? ~ Joan Jolly Thursday, March 29 - Maundy Thursday
Mark 14:27-72 Writing Prompt: Saving God, give me courage to be wholly attentive … Prayer/Reflection Wow! This is a long scripture to read. About Peter and the disciples betraying Jesus 3 times before the rooster crows twice during Gethsemane. “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” But I’m really good at multi-tasking. Look at me go! I can check my email, be on a conference call, and look at that spreadsheet all at once! I can cook dinner, play my game and get to 3 new levels while the kids are playing their own videos. Maybe my rooster crowing is my cellphone chime, tweet, or a Facebook Like. Wow! That is damning! Dear God, I Grieve for the relationship and time lost to our electronic “slumber”. Give me the Discipline to focus; hear those around me. How have I betrayed you God? How have I betrayed those I love? How have I betrayed the stranger around me? Stop. Hear. Listen. Look. Care. Love. Saving God, give me the courage to be wholly attentive. ~ Bill Rankin Friday, March 30 - Good Friday
Mark 15 Writing Prompt: Today I wait … Prayer/Reflection My life at times is at worst waiting, but punctuated by moments of action. I know I have been forgiven, but it is truly difficult to live into that life that grace has given me. Today I wait. Today God is waiting to enter our hearts. Why don’t we let God come in? ~ John Judd Saturday, March 31 - Holy Saturday
Psalm 19:14 Writing Prompt: Reflect on your journey. What have you learned? Prayer/Reflection Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. |
