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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

For as long as I can remember, Lent has seemed an awkward season. Although I have never been confused about where Lent leads—to Easter—I have often been unsure about how best to follow its path.

If the date of Easter were not a moving target, Lent might not seem so awkwardto navigate. But unlike Christmas, which, like north on a compass, always points to one resting place, December 25, Easter moves around. And because Lent is attached to Easter by forty days, its date also moves around. It’s an awkward, seemingly unpredictable point to track.

—Pamela C. Hawkins, The Awkward Season: Prayers for Lent
(Upper Room Books, 2009)

Today’s Question

What is awkward about Lent to you? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience.

—Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

O loving Christ who waits for us all to move forward, to change inward, to love outward. Wait now with me as I long and learn to become more like you. Guide me to wait with the lost, to stand with the weak, to have a heart for the brokenhearted. Amen.
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Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

4 Comments

  • Gail Churchill Posted March 20, 2023 9:25 am

    Hard to brace the notion of giving up something, eg, coffee or chocolate. A sense of impending doom vs. “we know the rest of the story.’

  • Julie Posted March 20, 2023 9:45 am

    It is interesting that some observe the season by giving something up and others add something on. I was told long ago that it is better to add something postive to your life during Lent. For instance, if you do not pray daily then add that. I find this more beneficial to my spiritual life than depriving myself of a beloved item.
    Spent the day on my own yesterday. Church was wonderful and I met another person who cares for her husband. She and I exchanged information and will keep in touch as she seems to need someone who understands to talk with. I told her of the other church member who is interested in beginning a caregivers support group and she is interesting in helping.

  • Ally Posted March 20, 2023 12:21 pm

    I’m not sure that “awkward” is the term I would use to describe Lent. It is a time of preparation. I haven’t given anything up, but have tried to add extra times of quietness with the Lord, to meditate on love.
    My Lewis Kitty is really sick again. I’m afraid we may have some hard decisions to make. Pray for us as we seek God about the best thing for little Lewis. Lewis has given me joy every day for the last 16 years. He gives joy and love to everyone he meets. There will be a big hole in our hearts when he leaves us; one that will not be filled. We are shattered. Love to all.

  • Jill Posted March 20, 2023 3:15 pm

    When I was growing up, we didn’t recognize or “practice” Lent in the time leading up to Easter. In recent years, I have had meaningful Lent’s and others not so much. This year I have not really been able to get into a Lenten mindset.
    It is a relief to have all my grading done and grades complete. Last week was high intensity. This week will be less so, and I am grateful.
    I have discovered the air fryer…well, more uses for it. I have tried marinated chicken thighs and NY Strip steaks. Both turned out delicious. Tonight – bone in pork chops. My grill is pretty much running on empty and I doubt I could get them fully cooked. So – I turn to the air fryer. Prior to the last few weeks and really branching out, I was using mostly on frozen foods meant to be cooked in the oven.
    Brilliant sunshine here, so welcome. Still quite windy – but I love riding home in a warm car.
    Ally – I am sorry that you and David are on this emotional rollercoaster with your Lewis Kitty. I know you will make the best decision for your beloved one.

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