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Tag Archives: lent 2023

Christ is Risen!

09 Apr
Christ is Risen!

Easter/Resurrection Sunday

April 9, 2023

Easter Meditation

Gracious God, on this holy Easter day, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the gift of new life through your son, Jesus Christ. We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of your victory over death and the gift of holy awe that comes upon us as we enter our Easter joy. Christ has passed from death to life; may we always know you as our way through the desert, our food and drink as we thirst. You are our safe passage through treacherous waters and the home that awaits us at the end of all our journeys. We lose you in our doubts and the pressures of our busy lives. Help us remember that you are always with us, and your way is always before us if we only pay attention to hear you call us by name. Teach us to recognize you in one another and, with deep gratitude, continue to bear witness to the life and hope with which you sustain the world. Amen.

Christ is Risen!

Christ is Risen, Indeed! 

 
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Posted by on April 9, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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The Breath of God

08 Apr
The Breath of God

Day 40: Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023

The Breath of God

Scripture: The earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2 NRSV)

Devotion: As we journey through life, we encounter different people with varying personalities and behaviors. Some quickly become our friends, while others remain strangers to us. There are those we admire and wish to emulate, and others we want to avoid. However, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to show kindness and compassion to all.

As we reach the end of the season of Lent 2023 and look forward to Easter, let us take a moment to reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus. Instead of rushing from Good Friday to Easter, pause and breathe deeply. Hold a deep breath, hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly exhale. Repeat this several times and focus on the sensation of your breath.

The breath we take is the basis of all things. It is the divine breath of life that has sustained us since the beginning of Creation. The Hebrew word ruach can mean wind, spirit, or breath, and in the book of Genesis, we read how “the breath of God” swept over the face of the water, bringing life and order to the formless void.

On Holy Saturday, we remember how Jesus lay in the tomb, his body lifeless and still. But just as the breath of God was present during the creation of the world, it was also present with Jesus, bringing renewal and new life. Meditate on this story and allow yourself to feel the presence of God in your life.

As we journey through life, let us remember that the divine breath of life is within us, sustaining us and giving us the strength to love and serve others. Let us embrace all people, even those we find difficult to connect with, and show them the same compassion that Jesus showed to us. Let us be the breath of God in this world, bringing life and hope to those in need. Amen.

Prayer: Creator God, may your breath within us remind us to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, to reach out to those in need, and to offer kindness to strangers we encounter on our journey. Empower us to do unpopular things and to serve others with humility, allowing the experience to transform us.

May we be reminded of the love of Christ, who breathed new life into the world. Help us appreciate life’s complexity and simplicity, and find joy in all of creation.

May the gift of breath within us move us to become the wind of God, bringing new life and renewal to the world. Remind us that your breath and spirit are always present and guiding us.

We offer this prayer in gratitude for the gift of life and breath, and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

 
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Posted by on April 8, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Philosophy, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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A Good Friday Prayer

06 Apr
A Good Friday Prayer

Day 39: Good/Holy Friday, April 7, 2023

A Good Friday Prayer for Meditation

We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of yourself on the cross.

On this somber day of remembrance, as we contemplate Christ’s suffering, help us find meaning in the wounds we endure and the travails of the world you created. You have called us to accept our shared mortality and to serve one another in love; keep us firm in our faith as we are called to suffer for others. You have called us to keep telling the story of your salvation in our unjust and violent world. Help us see past the limits of our vision to your limitless love, which transcends death. In the prophecies, gospel stories, and witness of scripture, may we always find consolation and hope, never faltering in our certainty that you are the God of a kingdom of justice and the author of everlasting life. Amen.

 
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Posted by on April 6, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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A Maundy Thursday Prayer

06 Apr
A Maundy Thursday Prayer

Day 38: Maundy/Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023

A Maundy Thursday Prayer for Meditation

On this holy day, Maundy Thursday, we reflect on Jesus’ “new commandment” to love one another, which he demonstrated by washing his disciples’ feet and instituting the Eucharist. “Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment.”

As we prepare to receive Holy Communion on this sacred day, we thank you, Lord, for the gift of Christian community. We ask that you help us to appreciate the diverse people who make up the body of Christ, and to sustain our faith in each other even during times of disagreement.

In the face of disappointments and betrayals, keep us mindful of the new commandment that Christ has given us, and help us to love each other with sacrificial and unconditional love, just as he has loved us.

As we struggle with doubts and fears, we trust that you will provide us with the necessary nourishment. We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen..

AW

 
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Posted by on April 6, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Holy Wednesday Meditation

05 Apr
Holy Wednesday Meditation

Day 37: Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Meditation

Gracious God, you have placed before us a lavish banquet overflowing with life and love. Yet, we struggle to fully grasp the extent of your benevolence and find it difficult to imagine enjoying such abundance. Your Son, Jesus, has even called us brothers and sisters and promised us your boundless love. On this Holy Wednesday, guide us towards a life of generosity and joy so that we may partake in this feast with open hearts. Teach us to choose the path of love over fear. We offer this prayer in faith and trust. Amen.

AW

 
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Posted by on April 5, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Foot Washing

04 Apr
Foot Washing

Day 36: Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Rev. Sela Finau

Foot Washing

Scripture: Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me. (John 13:5-8 NRSV)

Devotion: When I was a student at Perkins School of Theology at SMU, we had a foot-washing worship service. I was intrigued by what this service would offer since I had yet to experience one prior, so between classes, I attended this service.

I was surprised that many of my professors and the Dean were present. I thought to myself, “Oh, this would be interesting.” When it came time for the foot-washing ceremony, we got in line and made our way forward. There were two basins of water and clean towels for the two lines we formed. The person in front of me would wash my feet, and I, in return, would wash the person’s feet that was behind me. The person in front of me was one of my professors. The experience played out in my mind that this professor was my teacher and was similar to Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. Jesus had set an example for his disciples to follow.

Yet, so many of us would feel uncomfortable literally carrying out Jesus’ teaching. Foot washing was a sign of hospitality in the ancient world. The host provided water and cloth, and then the guests washed or allowed a servant to wash them. Jesus’ point of foot washing was serving one another out of love. He called his disciples deeper into love, humility, and service. Jesus calls us to love him and be willing to serve one another with humility and unconditional love.

In this season of Lent, may we humble ourselves as Jesus did and offer hospitality and love to others by serving them.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your gift of love and service.

Continue to teach us your ways so that we may also do likewise.

Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on April 4, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Theology

 

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Global

03 Apr
Global

Day 35: Monday, April 3, 2023

Rev. Sela Finau

Global

Scripture: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 NRSV)

Devotion: While in seminary, I worked at night, and before you start to wonder, “What kind of job?” I will soon explain. Most of the time, working at night had not always been a pleasant experience, especially working 12-hour nights and being up for more than 24 hours at a time. That is never good for the body, mind, and spirit. Nevertheless, that had been my work schedule for about five years while I pursued two degrees in two seminaries. I had to find employment that would work with my seminary school schedule. How I managed seminary, worked in a church, and that overnight job was beyond me. That is one of those things I consider a God thing.

In any case, I realized early on, working in the financial industry, specifically a brokerage firm, that while America slept, the rest of the world was awake, from Asia to the Pacific to Europe, and that we were all connected in this global network, financial or otherwise.

That meant that what happened worldwide affected the U.S. and vice versa. I also thought that what happens to us as individuals and as people affects God.

One of the benefits of having worked from evening till dawn (7 to 7) was that I was privileged to see many sunsets, sunrises, endless clouds, and skies in incredibly astonishing colors and forms. Each time I saw it, whether on my way to work or on my way home, I was always in awe of the beauty of creation and how fortunate we are to be given the opportunity to witness the splendor and magnificence of this world that we are lucky to be a part. I pondered how amazing it is that we’re all connected to the sun and endless clouds in the skies, giving us a glimpse of God’s glory.

I am reminded of how humans seem insignificant amid vast stretches of the cosmos and time and space. I thought about how we’re all tiny specs in this big cosmos, but I am always comforted in knowing that God takes notice of us, journeys with us daily, and watches over us whether we’re asleep or awake.

Prayer: Creator God, we give you thanks for all of creation, and we give you thanks for the gift of life. This Lenten season, a time of self-reflection, growth, and renewal, open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts so that we may live into what you have created us to be. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on April 3, 2023 in Church, Culture, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Pray

01 Apr
Pray

Day 34: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Pray

Scripture: Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13 NRSV)

Devotion: Many people are uncomfortable with public prayer for various reasons. It could be that they were never taught how to pray, or the person may fear public speaking. The disciples asked Jesus how to pray, and he then taught them what we know as the Lord’s Prayer. But prayer is more than formatted words and petitions. Prayer is not a monologue, and more than a conversation. Prayer is also listening and putting ourselves in the hands of God and listening to God’s voice in the depth of our hearts.

I am reminded of the five-finger prayer, which was shared a few weeks ago during our Children’s Time. It is a way to remember whom to include in our prayers. The thumb is the closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. The next finger is the index or pointer finger. Pray for those who teach and point you toward God. The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders and world, national, state, and local officials. The fourth finger is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the most vulnerable, the sick, the poor, the marginalized, or those afflicted with problems. And finally, we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.  

Prayer: God, continue teaching us how and who to pray for.

Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on April 1, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Companionship

31 Mar
Companionship

Day 33: Friday, March 31, 2023

Companionship

Scripture: Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. (Luke 24:13-15, 28-29 NRSV)

Devotion: There are times when we all long for the companionship of Christ. When we are facing some deep loneliness that seems to darken the brightest day, some great sorrow that has broken our hearts and changed our lives, or some heavy burden that comes through no action or fault of our own. At times like these, we long for the presence of the one who speaks our name, understand our plight, and can break the hold of loneliness, sorrow, despair, and burdens we bear.

At times like these, it is good to remember that the risen Christ walks beside us, awaiting our invitation to stay with us, break bread with us, interpret life for us, give us hope, and share in our thanksgiving. As we continue our walk this Lenten Season, may we, like the disciples before us, have our eyes open to recognize Christ as he walks beside us this day.

Prayer: Oh God, forgive us when we fail to recognize you in others. Continue to walk with us and help us to see. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on March 31, 2023 in Church, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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Gray

29 Mar
Gray

Day 31: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Gray

Scripture: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:31 NRSV)

Devotion: Growing up, I was privileged to be surrounded by older folks, including my grandmother, Ana, numerous aunts and uncles, and then my parents. I remember that as they got older, they often dealt with the aches and pains of old age.

The years flew by for this older generation as they continued dealing with health issues and being unable to get around as quickly as before. They were suddenly faced with their mortality. On Ash Wednesday, we were confronted with our mortality, remembering that “we are dust, and to dust, we shall return.” What does God expect from people of this older generation? What do they expect from God? The truth is, no matter how gray our hair gets, God always sees us as a child. God sees our potential and possibilities until the day we die. God’s on our side every step of the way, even when we don’t walk and move as fast as we did twenty or thirty years ago.

The gift of aging is the one called life. We have the opportunity to grow in awareness, wisdom, and experience. We have learned things that others need to know, and God gives us a chance to share those things with those around us. May we share our hopes, dreams, fear, and love with others. May we share our wisdom and experiences with those around us. May we share our God stories with all those that we encounter.

In this season of Lent, remember that age is a number that reflects the number of years that God has blessed us and gifted us with life. May we share our life stories with others. Remember these words from Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”

Prayer: Dear God, as we age, we may experience fear, loneliness, and other emotions, help us to remember that we are never alone but that you knew us before we were born, knows us by name, and will continue to be with us until you call us home. Amen

AW

 
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Posted by on March 29, 2023 in Church, Culture, Family, Life, Religion, Spirituality, Theology

 

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