Today’s Reflection
IF WE PICTURE all the obstructions between us and God as a wilderness, Lent presents us with time to clear and cultivate a part of that wilderness, to create an open space in it. In this newly opened space, we may live more freely and commune more closely with the divine. We can transform this wilderness and make it our home, our garden, a place that invites God in and asks God to stay.
– Sarah Parsons
A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent
From page 9 of A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent by Sarah Parsons. Copyright © 2005 by Sarah Parsons. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What would your Lenten garden look like? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
Psalms 25:1, NRSV
This Week: Pray for a holy lent. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.
This week we remember: Valentine (February 14).
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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16 Comments
If I had a Lenten garden I would like it look as if God planted it.
I see God in the wilderness, but also in cultivated gardens. Everything comes from God no matter which garden it is.
Prayers for a holy Lent, God’s comfort to Julie’s hands and toe, peace to those who are unsettled, a return of Marcy, Rusty, and those we miss, healing to Mary’s dad, Jill’s parents, and Lowell. Thankful we can and do share our joys and concerns here. Hope there has been an improvement in the communication at the school where Mary teaches. Prayers that Anneliese had a positive meeting with the cardiologist yesterday and a safe trip there and back. Prayers for Doris with leukemia. Our time with Isis is going well. Thank You, Lord for the blessings of the day.
This analogy does not work very well for me because I love unspoiled wilderness.
I would clear a path through it.
My husband got sick very rapidly over the past 36 hours but has had no fever so I believe it is not this season’s dreaded flu. I made a chicken noodle soup yesterday and am sticking close to home to keep an eye on him. My daughter advised echinacea tincture and turmeric, which I sneaked into his rea when it needed warming. I am not sure if that made a difference but I wanted to pull out all the stops to boost his natural defenses.
I love Lent for being a time to slow down and re-evaluate priorities, honing in on the essentials and dispensing with dross. I have committed to spending some time quilting for others every day. A group I am part of is making baby quilts for our county’s public health nurses to take to new moms. I suggested the effort and am the contact person.
I am thankful for every day with my beloved husband and my loved ones. I am thankfil for dear friends, those I see in person and those I pray with here at the UR’s holy prayer oasis. Wishing all a blessed day.
Prayers for Lowell, thankful he’s well looked after with chicken noodle soup, echinacea tincture, and turmeric in his tea. Thankful it’s not the flu and there is no fever.
Yes, a babbling brook under a canopy of tall trees. You are correct Andrea, untamed nature is the most rewarding to enjoy because it is God’s own unblemished handiwork.
Robert, so good to hear Isis and Erich are enjoying these days with one another. I am glad they have time to say goodbye. I had one kitty companion who was sleeping one moment and the next she callapsed at my feet, dead.
Andrea, prayers for Lowell, and for yourself as you care for him.
My daughter and I took our kitty to the vet for a check. Results of tests show only liver inflamation so we were able to discontinue all meds which have been upsetting his tummy.
Thank you for prayers. My toe is especially painful and weeping copious amounts.
I believe this group of supportive friends is a garden I visit among life’s weeds.
The smile is the shortest distance between two persons. Victor Borge
Julie, what a tough way to lose a cat. Hopefully it was painless for the cat.
Sure wish relief for your hands and toe.
My garden would have beautiful flowers, birds, and fruit trees (even apple). I would look down and see footprints in the sand/dust. My Father’s favorite song was “I come to the garden alone”.
“While the dew is still on the roses. And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known” Let’s have a virtual Garden Party, dear friends!
Connie, I love that old hymn too. It was one of my grandmother’s favorites.
Is Beth Richardson offering a Lenten daily devotional or voice message?
If my Lenten garden was meant to invite God in- I would make it beautiful and wonderful and fit for my King-it would be the most beautiful garden for only to honor Him. My Lenten journey this year is to praise him and be thankful for everything God has given me – too often I focus on what I do not have instead of praising Him for the many blessings that I do have- my garden would reflect those rich blessings. All praise to God – without Him I am nothing – in Him I have more than enough.
Visited my dad at the hospital this morning on the first day of Chinese New year and bought for him dumpling soup from the restaurant.
He is happy. Hope he can come back soon
Blessings
So glad he is happy – I know that makes you happy Mary- Happy new year‼️
Yes, it makes me happy too!
Thanks so much Lou!
Blessings
Very good news from you, Mary, Glad your Dad had the soup, Happy New Year to you, your Dad, and your family.
We had a favorite Korean soup to celebrate Korean New Year’s. It is a soup Soo Ok used to make.
Thanks Robert!
Yes, Korean food is very delicious. We have a korean restaurant at our neighbourhood mall and i live the beef soup there.
Prayers for Erich, Anneliese, your cat and you
May all be well
Blessings
Thank you Mary, have a wonderful New Year celebration. Glad to know you have a Korean restaurant there. Enjoy!
Prayers for you, your Dad, and family.
My garden will be my happy place and blessed with God’s presence so that when there is a storm, He can calm the storm.
Grateful for challenges in life to help me to grow and lean on God all the more.
May all who go through challenges be strong and deeply rooted in God’s Word!
Blessings to all!
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