Daily Lenten Devotions
Greetings and peace be with you.
Throughout Lent, the Lutheran Camping Corporation will be sending out daily devotions for your use. We invite you to read and reflect upon these devotions as part of your Lenten discipline.
This devotion, written by Pastor Clifton Eshbach, includes one of the texts from the daily lectionary in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, as well as some prayers and hymns from ELW that may be used in your Lenten discipline of study and reflection.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday, April 3 – Holy Saturday
Read: Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11
“For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.” Isaiah 61:11
This text is the eleventh reading within the liturgy of the Vigil of Easter. With salvation comes growth, new shoots of promise rise up, the garden grows, the nation is rescued and renewed. We conclude this series of devotions in the season of new growth. What growth has God communicated to you during these past forty days? How does the great event of tomorrow transform the focus of your life? God bless you every day with grace and mercy.
Please pray: Almighty and eternal God, the only hope of the world, by the proclamation of your prophets you declare to us the word of salvation. By the grace of your spirit increase the devotion of all the baptized, that, strengthened by your presence, we may withstand hardship and sorrow and be united with your son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday, April 2 – Good Friday
Read: St. John 18:1 – 19:42
“Pilate asked him, ‘What is truth?’ ” St. John 18:38
Was the question one of frustration by Pilate, or cynicism, or maybe even him thinking out loud? We’ll never know. In the midst of trying to understand a type of king who did not have soldiers or weapons, Pilate did not see truth when it stood right in front of him. The question may not be what is truth, but who is truth? Could that, just maybe, be our learning moment and our living moment?
Please pray: Merciful God, your Son was lifted up on the cross to draw all people to himself. Grant that we who have been born out of his wounded side may at all times find mercy in him, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Thursday, April 1 – Maundy Thursday
Read: St. John 13:1-17, 31b-35
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” St. John 13:34
This text is noted as the start of the “Farewell Discourse” of Jesus (13:31 – 17:26). What a way to begin. Jesus issues a new commandment. While several the previous commandments stress what not to do, here is a command for extreme action. Love one another. How that love is to be expressed is explained in the second sentence of verse 34. Just as Jesus loves us, that is how we are to love each other. Jesus leaves the details to us. But the command is given.
Please pray: Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, you Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, March 31 – Wednesday of Holy Week
Read: St. John 13:21-32
“After saying this Jesus was troubled in spirit, and declared, “Very truly, I tell you, one of you will betray me.” St. John 13:21
Judas heads out into the night to complete his task of betrayal. Throughout the passion story, the forces of evil believe they have the upper hand. Killing Jesus gets him out of the way. But that’s not how it works. In this text, Jesus seems in control as ever, not only identifying the betrayer, but sending him on his way. Judas goes on his way to betray. Jesus continues on his path to salvation.
Please pray: Almighty God, your Son our Savior suffered at human hands and endured the shame of the cross. Grant that we may walk in the way of the cross and find it the way of life and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and resigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 30 – Tuesday of Holy Week
Read: St. John 12:20-36
“They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” St. John 12:21
This is the last public dialogue of Jesus in John’s gospel. God fearing Greeks, gentiles, came to Jerusalem for the Passover as well. They are included in the group who hears Jesus speak of discipleship (verses 24-26) and the third passion prediction that is recorded in John. They too heard the voice of heaven. In the earliest years of the church, the inclusion of gentiles was a major controversial issue, which is putting it mildly. Jesus clearly shows that he is the savior of the world, and any exclusionary rhetoric comes not from him, but from us.
Please pray: Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you. Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in time of trial, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 29 – Monday of Holy Week
Read: St. John 12:1-11
“Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.’ ” St. John 12:7
Much can be made about contrasting the roles of Mary and Judas in this text. But this time through the text, why not focus on Mary? She didn’t care about the expense; she just wanted to provide the best service to Jesus that she could. Everyone else in the room benefitted from her decision as they were able to enjoy the fragrance as it spread across the room. Do you wonder why her example is not duplicated in the church today? I suppose it depends on where your priorities are.
Please pray: O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and resigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Read: Leviticus 23:1-8
“Six days shall work be done; but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no work; it is a Sabbath to the Lord throughout your settlement.” Leviticus 23:3
How about some time off? However Sabbath keeping is not purely about time off for us. It is also very much about our worship of God. One of the best books on Sabbath keeping is, “Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting” by Marva Dawn (Erdmans, 1989). Her personal example has provides us assistance for creating a rhythm to our own Sabbath keeping.
She writes, “For me the Sabbath means several kinds of physical rest depending on what I do the week before and the week after each celebration. During most weeks I swim every day to take care of my health. Sunday offers a reprieve from that workout. I enter the water differently on Sundays—I enjoy just playing around in the pool or floating on the lake’s waves. (What a nice break from doing laps!) For me to keep the Sabbath means to exercise in a way that concentrates on God or on other people. So I frequently enjoy hikes in the woods (which always lead to praising God for the beauty of his creation) or walks with friends (and then the focus is on positive and upbuilding interchanges).”
Read/Sing: “We Come to You for Healing, Lord” (ELW 617)
Friday, March 26, 2010
Read: Isaiah 54:9-10
“For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10
This is not a text referring to plate tectonics. The use of nature gives us a reference point to understand the eternal nature of God’s love for us. All kinds of things may change in our life. This one thing will not change; God’s love for all human beings. The important phrase could be two simple words, “shall not.” God promises constant love and constant presence with humanity. It shall not depart.
Read/Sing: “Oh, Praise the Gracious Power” (ELW 651)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Read: Psalm 31:9-16
“Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.” Psalm 31:16
Psalm 31 is a prayer which includes petition, lament and thanksgiving for deliverance all in one package. The section before us today includes both petition and lament. The one praying this psalm is in great personal distress. They feel they are physically wasting away because of their stress. But they know who to turn to in times of trouble. And so, reading beyond the appointed verses, we understand why there is an expression of confidence and thanksgiving. Thanks be to God!
Please pray: Almighty God, your love never fails, and you can turn the shadow of death into daybreak. Help us to receive your word with believing hearts, so that, confident in your promises, we may have hope and be lifted out of our sorrow into the joy and peace of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Read: St. Luke 18:31-34
“Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, “See we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished.” St. Luke 18:31
Talk about a work in progress! One could write a lot about the location of this passion prediction of Jesus, coming as it does after the encounter with the rich ruler and before the encounter with the blind beggar. But concentrate on verse 34 and the inability of the disciples to understand the meaning of what Jesus has shared with them. Luke writes that the meaning of what Jesus said was actually hidden from them. This isn’t the first time they did not understand Jesus (see 2:50, 9:45 and 24:13-35). Clarity will come to them in time. In the meantime, continue to listen, study and pray.
Read/Sing: “Jesus, I Will Ponder Now” (ELW 345)
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Read: I John 2:18-28
“And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming.” I John 2:28
First John is a short treatise about the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. You can easily read the entire book in one sitting. It is believed that it was written to offer a reply to a movement that denied the growing tradition about Jesus. The writer urges believers to stand fast to what they were taught about the human and divine natures of Jesus. The readers are referred to as children several times. Children are still learning; they remain a work in progress. And as works in progress, we are taught to continue, to “abide” in the one who promises eternal life.
Read/Sing: “Beautiful Savior” (ELW 838)
Monday, March 22, 2010
Read: Psalm 20
“Now I know the Lord will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand.” Psalm 20:6
Psalm 20 is a liturgical prayer that was used in the temple prior to a battle. Verses one through three serve as an introduction, asking God to provide protection and success. The word in verse six, which is also in verse five, that is important as we reflect during Lent is the word “victory.” Victory is the same Hebrew word generally translated as salvation. Re-read the psalm by replacing victory or victories with salvation.
Please pray: Direct us, Lord God, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and extend to us your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and finally, by your mercy, bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our savior and Lord. Amen.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Read: Exodus 12:21-27
“…it is the passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt, when he struck down the Egyptians but spared our houses.” Exodus 12:27
The first Passover occurs immediately before the tenth plague convinces Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt. Two-thirds of chapter twelve explains the procedure for the event. The verses set aside for us to read today are the instructions Moses gives to the elders of Israel. These instructions include the crucial answer to the question, “what do you mean by this observance?” The presence of the Lord is found in every aspect of life. The Lord intercedes for us to save us.
Sing/Read: “A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth” (ELW 340)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Read: Isaiah 43:8-15
“Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears.” Isaiah 43:8
We pick up where we left of yesterday. God continues to speak about bringing the congregation, the nation, back together after years of exile. This time, the text is a bit of a satirical view of those who have worshipped idols. But even these people are cherished by God, who wants these people, described as blind and deaf, included in the new restored nation.
Please pray: Draw your church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our teacher Jesus Christ into every walk of life, together serving in Christ’s mission to the world, and together witnessing to your love wherever you will send us; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Read: Isaiah 43:1-7
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” Isaiah 43:2
Isaiah is writing of the great act of God to reconstitute the nation. In this chapter of Isaiah we read about God’s action to bring together all the people who were dispersed by the exile. God knows them by name, all of them. No matter what direction from which they return, east or west, north or south, God is bringing them together from all directions and through all perils. It may be a long journey to return, but “Do not fear, for I am with you,” (verse 5).
Read/Sing: “You Are Mine” (ELW 581)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Read: St. Luke 9:10-17
“And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.” St. Luke 9:16
Lunch time! Come. Gather. Have a seat. Jesus of Nazareth requests the honor of your presence at a dinner given by him, for you. He gives you everything he has. Come. Gather. Have a seat. Watch as he takes the meal, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to everyone gathered. It is given for you.
Read/Sing: “Around You, O Lord Jesus” (ELW 468)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Read: Revelation 19:9-10
“I am a fellow servant with you and your comrades who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!” Revelation 19:10
Again we are called to worship. In this short continuation from yesterday, the messenger, an angel reminds us that we are not to bow down and worship God’s messenger, but rather worship God. Remember who the object of our worship is and devote our attention to the task of offering worship that is focused on God. Distractions are possible, but be wise to avoid them. Worship God!
Sing/Read: “As We Gather at Your Table” (ELW 522)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Read: Revelation 19:1-8
“And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you his servants, and all who fear him, small and great.” Revelation 19:5
Because of the triumph of Christ over sin, death and the devil, we give thanks in many and various ways. Primarily we give our gratitude to God through worship. Not alone but worship as a “great multitude” (verse 1) singing together, praying together, receiving the food of life together. Our worship is participatory. We are not observers. We give thanks to God “like the sound of mighty thunderpeals” (verse 6). Worship God. Together. In the community of the saints of today and of all time.
Please pray: God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Read: Exodus 32:7-14
“And the Lord changed his mind about the disaster that he planned to bring on his people.” Exodus 32:14
God is mad. God is mad at the disobedience of the people as they worship the golden calf. God has a plan for these people. But Moses intercedes on behalf of the people. Moses is direct with God. “Change your mind,” Moses requests. And then Moses backs up his request with a lesson about the covenant history to this point. And the mind of God is changed. The intimate relationship between God and human beings is preserved.
Behold, now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation. Turn us again, O God of our salvation, that the light of your face may shine on us. May your justice shine like the sun; and may the poor be lifted up.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Read: II Corinthians 5:6-15
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7
This text is an encouraging reminder of our grounding, and motivation for our discipleship. Paul just clothes himself in Christ! Because of the claim Christ makes on us, we are able to go into the world and share the good news. Washed in baptismal waters, anointed with oil, clothed with the new garment, Christ equips, sends and goes with us as we encounter the world.
Read/Sing: “We Walk by Faith” (ELW 635)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Read: Joshua 4:1-13
“…take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests feet stood, carry them over with you, and lay them down in the place where you camp tonight.” Joshua 4:3
This ought to be a familiar text for campers as they gather around the cairn at Nawakwa on Saturday morning. As one stone is placed on top of the others, remembrances are offered. Have you ever thought about the stones that are below? They are the ones who came before us. They are the ones who began and sustained a ministry that we are now the stewards. Some day there will be stones placed on top of ours and more people will cross over before the Lord.
Read/Sing: “Give Thanks for Saints (ELW 428)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Read: St. Luke 13:18-21
“It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden…” St. Luke 13:19a
Ah, the mustard seed. It is one of the best parables to teach and preach on the topic of growth. While the mustard seed seems perfect to use with children, what about adults? Don’t adults have several opportunities for growth? What are you growing areas? What aspect of faith and life will you grow into? Has this season of Lent helped you to discern that area?
Read/Sing: “Lord, Your Hands Have Formed” (ELW 554)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Read: Ezekiel 17:1-10
“When it is transplanted, will it thrive? When the east wind strikes it, will it not utterly wither, wither on the bed where it grew?” Ezekiel 17:10
The images in this text make allusions to kings and international politics. Ezekiel made his pronouncements in the time of Nebuchadnezzar (the great eagle in verse 3). The “other great eagle” (verse 7) refers to pharaoh Psammetichus II, to whom king Zedekiah of Judah made an alliance, after initially being loyal to Nebuchadnezzar. All of this political intrigue resulted from the actions of the “rebellious house,” the identity of which you’ll discover as you continue to read Ezekiel.
Please pray: God of all mercy consolation, come to the help of your people, turning us from our sin to live for you alone. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit that we may confess our sin, receive your forgiveness, and grow into the fullness of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Read: Psalm 39
“And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39:7
“Our hope and our patience is Christ; he is our redemption; he is our expectation…Look on us, Lord, when you come in judgment: let your mercy look on us…In the power of your mercy lies the substance of our soul and life. Our soul’s substance is that virtue that God has poured into hearts made in the image of himself.” St. Ambrose, Commentary on the Twelve Psalms
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Read: St. Luke 6:43-45
“The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good…” St. Luke 6:45a
The notes in my study Bible jump off the page, “the image of a tree, like that of a house foundation, suggests character that cannot be disguised as hypocrisy.” These verses come in the later stages of the Sermon on the Plain where Jesus speaks about the issues of compassion and generosity, as they are to be practiced by his disciples. Now as we approach three weeks into Lent, let us examine our individual and collective efforts at compassion and generosity with our good treasure.
Please pray: O God our rock, your word brings life to the whole creation and salvation from sin and death. Nourish our faith in your promises, and ground us in your strength, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Read: Revelation 3:1-6
“Remember then what you received and heard; obey It, and repent.” Revelation 3:3a
This text is the fifth of the letters addressed to the seven churches (Revelation, chapters 2 and 3). These letters are short moralistic proclamations. This particular letter is addressed to the church at Sardis and the advice is to wake up and have your congregation’s actions reflect your mission. Are you fulfilling the mission you have composed, or is there something preventing you from doing that? Hmmm, how many congregations ought to read this letter?
Read/Sing: “Listen, God is Calling” (ELW 513)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Read: Psalm 63:1-8
“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1
In the theological space/time continuum, it appears that the singer of this psalm is experiencing distance from God. “I seek you, I thirst for you, I have looked for you,” are the statements of a person who is lacking a connection. But with God, this feeling is temporary, indeed the psalmist comes to the realization that God has not been distant at all, residing with the psalmist at all times, even during times of sleep and rest.
Please pray: Creator of unfailing light, deep within our hearts we long for your presence. Give us the light of your steadfast love, that our lives may proclaim your goodness, our work give you honor, and our voices bless you forever; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Read: St. Luke 13:22-31
“Jesus went through one town and village after another, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.” St. Luke 13:22
This is the beginning of a section of Luke’s gospel in which Jesus teaches about salvation and rejection. While this section deals with these significant themes, I am drawn to the first verse of today’s text. Knowing what awaits him in Jerusalem, knowing what will meet him at the end of his journey to the holy city, Jesus still insists to offer teaching in each community he enters. Time indeed was short for Jesus. And he shared something of himself in each community he encountered.
Please pray: God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Read: I Corinthians 10:1-13
“No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” I Corinthians 10:13
As a follow up on yesterday’s text, here in First Corinthians St. Paul writes about the dangers of idolatrous behavior and provides an example from the story of the exodus. Paul tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are not immune from testing or temptation. But we are accompanied by a faithful God to help us by, “providing a way out.” The phrase “God is faithful” is a theme Paul repeats throughout this letter. God is faithful. Here we find our hope.
Read/Sing: “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less” (ELW 597)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Read: Exodus 33:1-6
“I will send an angel before you…” Exodus 33:2a
After engaging in idolatrous practices by making and worshipping a golden calf, the nation is humbled as Moses destroys the two tablets God had provided (Exodus chapter 32). The relationship is at one of its lowest points as God tells Moses to get up and get going to the land which God has promised. The difference this time is that an angel will lead the way as the nation as it makes its journey. What follows is a corporate act of repentance as the covenant is remembered and restated. And the nation moves forward.
“Return to the Lord your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Read: Psalm 27
“I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:13-14
This psalm has some parallels with Psalm 23. Verse four speaks of living in the Lord’s house forever. It also speaks of the protection of God in the midst of enemies. As we approach Sunday worship, it is good to remember that in the land of the living, there is the goodness of the Lord.
Read this psalm again, slowly. Use it as a prayer, listening for those words and phrases that resonate with you at this time in your life.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Read: Philippians 3:17-20
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:30
Now, the city of Philippi was a Roman colony, and if you lived in a Roman colony, you possessed Roman citizenship. So how do think that first phrase in verse twenty would go over with the Roman authorities? In addition to the use of political language, Paul explains that our heavenly citizenship is now. Even though it has not been accomplished in its entirety, we are to live now, as Christ taught us, loving God and loving our neighbor, with acts of charity and compassion.
Read/Sing: “Beloved, God’s Chosen” (ELW 648)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Read: Philippians 3:2-12
“Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Philippians 3:7-12
St. Paul provides a personal history lesson to explain what he has gained through faith in Christ. His zeal in explaining his understanding of the righteousness of God is dramatic. He says that everything before in his life is “rubbish,” or refuse, or…well if you take the example far enough you will get the real meaning of this word. His explains that the rationale for his work is that because Christ has claimed Paul, Paul can then go out a share the good news everyone he meets.
Please pray: Holy and gracious God, grant us the ability to share the good news of your son with all we meet. Have our words and actions provide support and confidence for those struggling to learn about you. Amen.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Read: St. Luke 21:34 – 22:6
“Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple” St. Luke 21:37-38
Now here is an interesting sandwich. St. Luke puts these two verses in a strategic location. On one side of these verses we read about what Jesus was teaching at the Jerusalem temple, while on the other side we read about the beginning of the plot to kill Jesus. The text says “all” the people went out. All the people were willing to go out and learn from a marked man who is teaching about the kingdom of God. It’s Wednesday. May your learning today help you speak of God’s grace and support your acts of love.
Read/Sing: “Lord Speak to Us, That We May Speak” (ELW 676)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Read: Psalm 17
“I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand. Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who despoil me, my deadly enemies who surround me.” Psalm 16:6-9
The psalmist repeats the theme of asking God for deliverance from enemies. The enemies are close by. The adversaries are, “at your right hand.” Who can you pray for today who is in need of God’s saving grace? Pray for these people today.
Use for prayer: The series of prayers (sung and spoken) on pages 325/326 of ELW, which is a portion of the service of Compline.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Read: I John 2:1-6
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the world.” I John 2:1-2
There is an important word that appears in the first verse of this text. It was also an important word for the Johannine community of Christians to whom this little exhortation is addressed. The word is “advocate.” Jesus is quoted using this word in chapters 14 and 16 of John’s gospel to refer to “the Spirit of Truth” (John 14:17). The early Christian community addressed in First John is reminded of the close, family like relationship Jesus and God have and, through the sacrifice of Christ, is a relationship in which we are included, by the one who, “is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes with us,” (Romans 8:34).
Please pray: Almighty and merciful God, you provide for us in ways we cannot comprehend, in manners we cannot imagine. We give thanks that you provide for us an advocate, Jesus Christ, who is the “atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” Amen.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
“…a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:8
“If you make a distinction in your mind between things thought of as virtue and vice, you will recognize the moment for the right attitude for each of them. Restraint and pleasure, self-control and indulgence, humility and pride, goodwill and crookedness, and all that are regarded as opposites of one another, are plainly set out for you by the Ecclesiast, so that by adopting attitudes about them in your soul you may make profitable decisions. Thus there is a moment for loving restraint and for hating pleasure, so that you do not become pleasure-loving rather than God-loving, and likewise in all the other cases, quarrel-loving, gain-loving, glory-loving, and all the rest, which through the use of affection for improper ends separate us from the disposition to good.” Gregory of Nyssa – Homilies on Ecclesiastes 8.
Read (or sing) “How Small Our Span of Life (ELW 636)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Read: Exodus 6:1-13
“Say therefore to the Israelites, ‘I am the Lord, and I will free you from the burdens of the Egyptians and deliver you from slavery to them. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as my people, and I will be your God. You shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has freed you from the burdens of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:6-7
This text is very important in the salvation history of Israel. This particular passage relates God speaking to Moses, after the first meeting Moses had with Pharaoh did not go very well. In this text, God goes back to the beginning to remind Moses and Aaron of the eternal connection God has made through the covenant first made with Abraham.
On Ash Wednesday we heard that God will establish a new covenant, written on the hearts of each member of the nation. We give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ, whose passion, death and resurrection bring us to eternal freedom.
Read (or sing) “Bless Now, O God, the Journey (ELW 326)
Thursday, February 18
Read: Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
“Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.” Psalm 91:9-10
This is a tough verse for someone who can’t find a job, make a mortgage payment or face an uncertain medical diagnosis. No evil and no scourge, “oh really?” Taken in its entirety, Psalm 91 is a lyrical composition about God’s consistent presence in our lives, staying with us through all circumstances. Read a little further...a portion of the last verse reads, “I will be with them in trouble.” The psalmist reminds us how God is present through all times and circumstances and will raise us up, “on eagles’ wings.”
Read (or sing) “On Eagle’s Wings (ELW 787)
Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Read: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
“Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and relents from punishing.” Joel 2:13b
The ashes are applied one person at a time. From person to person, the presiding minister makes the same motion; up and down, side to side. As this is done, each person is revealed for who they are, a child of God.
While we are individually marked with the cross of Christ, the call of the prophet Joel to return to a gracious and merciful God is a collective call to the entire community. A community, a congregation, a church is called here at the start of Lent to return to the One who is slow to anger and who abounds in steadfast love.
Please pray: Almighty and ever-living God, you hate nothing you have made, and you forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and honest hearts, so that, truly repenting of our sins, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, full pardon and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.