Category Archives: Daily Bread Devotional

Receive Enough, Part 4
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO, USA

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” -John 6:35

If we view the manna as symbolic of the live-giving gifts God provides every day in our lives, do we really appreciate those blessings? God provides in such a way that sometimes this amazing generosity feels ordinary.

Every day we can choose to be thankful for what we have. When we become anxious about what we need for tomorrow, next year, or even the next decade, we feel the need to hoard and we lose sight of God’s sustaining gifts.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• When does amazing generosity feel ordinary?
• What are you thankful for today?
• What sacred gifts sustain you this day?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Receive Enough, Part 3
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO USA

For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things. -Psalm 107:9

Every year I plant a garden. The first time I looked at the barren spot that would be my garden, I wondered if anything would really come from it. Even after planting the seeds and seedlings, it still looked so desolate…a few little green sprouts and a couple stakes marking where seeds were in the ground. Many times I’ve been tempted to plant more, just because it looked so empty. But I’ve found when I overplant, I can’t use what grows fast enough and things spoil. So I’ve learned to be patient…to wait…knowing there will be enough and even some to spare.

When God led the Israelites into the desert, they were scared they would not have enough. How could this wilderness possibly provide what they needed to survive? So God provided manna. God told them each day the manna would fall and they were only to collect what they needed for the day not attempting to hoard it. Whenever they collected more than they needed, it spoiled.

The Israelites had to rely on God every day. Despite the fact that they sometimes complained and didn’t follow God’s plan, the manna kept showing up. Every day, for decades, God demonstrated no-strings-attached generosity.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• How do you live in the tension between enough and too much?
• When have you received enough even in sparse or challenging conditions?
• How have you experienced no-strings-attached generosity?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Receive Enough, Part 2
Phyllis Gregg of Raymore, MO, USA

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day.” -Exodus 16:4

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• Spend time in prayer with this scripture text. Let yourself prayerfully imagine the scene. Where do you find yourself in this story?
• What is enough?
• When are you tempted to hoard more than you really need?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

A Prayer for a Time of Global Sickness and Fear
Stephen M. Veazey, president of Community of Christ

So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with 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 17:4-7

Eternal God of abiding love, everlasting source of hope and peace, we prayerfully come to you in faith and humility, trusting in your compassionate concern for us and all creation. 

During this time of mounting sickness and fear, when we have been asked to distance ourselves from others for the good of all, we humbly ask that you “bless the space between us” (John O’Donohue).

Give us assurance that physical space does not diminish the bonds of love and commitment that spiritually bind us together as families, friends, and as community in Christ.

Daily may we gain comfort and strength in the faithful witness of scripture, that nothing-not illness, distress, or even death-can separate us from your love and eternal purposes as revealed in Jesus Christ. 

Grant to those who find themselves more isolated or alone a durable sense of their worth and place in your household, O God, a spiritual household of divine hospitality that knows no quarantines or borders. May we, as disciples and ministers of the gospel, find innovative ways to make that truth evident when more familiar forms of ministry are not available to us. 

In times of personal angst for our own health and security, may we, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, hear your anointing words of blessing and feel your healing touch. May such experiences fill our souls with peace and hope. 

And let us not forget those for whom concerns for health and safety are everyday realities made even more acute and burdensome now. May we continue to find ways to join with you in tending the needs of the “least of these” in our congregations, villages, cities, and nations.

O God of all people, places, and situations, we trust that there is no time or condition in which you are not already present. With that in mind, we pray that these times and circumstances, as daunting as they are, will serve to bring out the best in us as individuals, families, nations, and as a church.

We look to you, Eternal One, to be our hope and redeemer. May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.

In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Lament and Resist Part 6
Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me. -Psalm 13:5-6

If we will make space during this wilderness time to question, wrestle, lament, and grieve, God will be there for the journey.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• What space are you invited to make?
• What prayer of lament would you write to your God in this Lenten season?
• How have you experienced God on the whole journey?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Lament and Resist, Part 5
Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. -Psalm 13:3-4

Many who walk deeply on the spiritual path would say that our true growth almost always comes in the midst of risk, unfamiliarity, struggle, and the unknown. To truly become whom God created us to be is to move out of our security and simply be in Holy Presence. Pay attention to where you feel resistance to sacred activity. It may be surprising to find God at work exactly at that point of resistance. Let go of complaints, manipulations, selfishness, and being comfortable, and simply turn toward God.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• When have you experienced the deepest growth on your spiritual journey?
• Where do you feel resistance to sacred activity?
• What does it look like to “simply turn toward God”?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Lament and Resist, Part 4
Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? -Psalm 13:1-2

An authentic Lenten journey opens us up to discovery and transformation. If you are like me, you may find yourself resisting challenges and experiences that are outside of a well-constructed security cocoon. Vulnerability is counter-cultural, maybe even counter to the 21st-century human experience. It is especially tempting to stay with what we know.

Unfortunately, when we choose this path, we can miss the new thing that God is doing-both inside of us as well as in all of creation. Fortunately, our God has proven to be patient, compassionate, and faithful. God is listening even when all we can offer is our unknowing and resistance.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• When do you feel tempted to stay with what you already know?
• What new thing in God doing in you, in us?
• What might it be like to offer your unknowing to God in prayer?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Lament and Resist, Part 3
Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

How long, O Lord, will you forget an answer to my prayer? No tokens of your love I see, your face is turned away from me; I wrestle with despair… I find that all your ways are just, I learn to praise you and to trust in your unfailing love. -Barbara Woollett, “How Long, O Lord” Community of Christ Sings 201

On our journey, that’s all we heard. “I’m hungry.” “I’m tired of sitting.” “I need more to drink.” “Are we almost there?” Even though we thought we were well prepared with juice boxes and cereal, the complaints about the quality of the journey were seemingly non-stop, only abating when the kids fell asleep, exhausted from their struggle. And they weren’t the only ones who felt worn out. The parents and children alike were not happy. Altogether, not a comfortable experience.

The 40 days of Lent might have some similarities with our road trip and, possibly, with the experience of the children of Israel under Moses’ leadership. Are we complainers, exhausted by the struggle? Do we find ourselves in this Lenten desert, feeling as though God has decided not to show up? Has God left us to thirst and starve? Into this mess of emotion and feeling, we, too, might ask, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (17:7). We want there to be no pain, no struggle, and we want answers. The unknowing so easily turns us toward dissatisfaction.

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• If you are able, read the words to the text, “How Long, O Lord” CCS 201. What is God’s invitation to you in this hymn text today?
• How does the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness intersect with our experience today?
• When have you found yourself wondering, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Lament and Resist, Part 2
Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

…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?” …the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” -Exodus 17:3-7

Lenten Reflection Questions:

• Spend time in prayer with this scripture text. Let yourself prayerfully imagine the scene. Where do you find yourself in this story?
• What do you thirst for?

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.

Lament and Resist
Jane Gardner, presiding evangelist

…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?” …the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” -Exodus 17:3-7

How long, O Lord, will you forget an answer to my prayer? No tokens of your love I see, your face is turned away from me; I wrestle with despair… I find that all your ways are just, I learn to praise you and to trust in your unfailing love. -Barbara Woollett, “How Long, O Lord” Community of Christ Sings 201

On our journey, that’s all we heard. “I’m hungry.” “I’m tired of sitting.” “I need more to drink.” “Are we almost there?” Even though we thought we were well prepared with juice boxes and cereal, the complaints about the quality of the journey were seemingly non-stop, only abating when the kids fell asleep, exhausted from their struggle. And they weren’t the only ones who felt worn out. The parents and children alike were not happy. Altogether, not a comfortable experience.

The 40 days of Lent might have some similarities with our road trip and, possibly, with the experience of the children of Israel under Moses’ leadership. Are we complainers, exhausted by the struggle? Do we find ourselves in this Lenten desert, feeling as though God has decided not to show up? Has God left us to thirst and starve? Into this mess of emotion and feeling, we, too, might ask, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (17:7). We want there to be no pain, no struggle, and we want answers. The unknowing so easily turns us toward dissatisfaction.

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? -Psalm 13:1-2

An authentic Lenten journey opens us up to discovery and transformation. If you are like me, you may find yourself resisting challenges and experiences that are outside of a well-constructed security cocoon. Vulnerability is counter-cultural, maybe even counter to the 21st-century human experience. It is especially tempting to stay with what we know.

Unfortunately, when we choose this path, we can miss the new thing that God is doing-both inside of us as well as in all of creation. Fortunately, our God has proven to be patient, compassionate, and faithful. God is listening even when all we can offer is our unknowing and resistance.

Consider and answer me, O LORD my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, and my enemy will say, “I have prevailed”; my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. -Psalm 13:3-4

Many who walk deeply on the spiritual path would say that our true growth almost always comes in the midst of risk, unfamiliarity, struggle, and the unknown. To truly become whom God created us to be is to move out of our security and simply be in Holy Presence. Pay attention to where you feel resistance to sacred activity. It may be surprising to find God at work exactly at that point of resistance. Let go of complaints, manipulations, selfishness, and being comfortable, and simply turn toward God.

But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me. -Psalm 13:5-6

If we will make space during this wilderness time to question, wrestle, lament, and grieve, God will be there for the journey.

Prayer Phrase

Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?

Lenten Spiritual Practices

Moving Toward the Peaceful One

As Jesus was nearing the final days of his life, he wept over the city and proclaimed, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace” (Luke 19:41-42).What are the things that make for peace in our lives, communities, and around the world? During the Lenten season, spend time in silent refection or journaling each day to notice: Am I moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One? Pay attention to your attitudes, actions, and relationships this day. When did you most embody the peaceful One in your daily living? When were your thoughts or actions contrary to the peace of Jesus Christ? How might Jesus, the peaceful One, who is always near to you, be inviting you to draw nearer to him through your daily living?

Fasting and Giving-$40 in 40 Days

A Lenten fast gives us an opportunity to make space in our lives so that God can live in and through us.  It’s a time to evaluate what we hunger for most and what we consume. This year, we’ve been invited to tithe as a spiritual practice by setting aside $40 during the 40 days of Lent. If you are participating, pay attention today to the dollar you have given. What might you have done with that dollar otherwise? How does Lenten generosity invite you to reflect on what is “enough” in your life? Who might you invite to join you in this practice? How might your gift be magnified by the many others responding to the same call?

You can make your $40 offering anytime during the Lenten season online or through your offering envelope for Worldwide Mission Tithes.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

Click here to comment or read online.