Today’s Reflection
During this Lenten season, let us actively engage in ongoing self-reflection and examine our attitudes and assumptions about power. May we align ourselves with the teachings of Jesus, acknowledging that true power resides in qualities like empathy, humility, and vulnerability. Let us actively resist the allure of the empire, which entices us to adopt oppressive narratives of colonization, offering a vision of success that ultimately brings only pain and brokenness.
—Matt Temple, “Postcolonial,” in Where We Meet: A Lenten Study of Systems, Stories, and Hope (Upper Room Books, 2023)
Today’s Question
What practices or actions can help you align more closely with the teachings of Jesus regarding power and humility? [question from “Postcolonial” in Where We Meet] Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “Whoever wantshttps://upperroombooks.com/Power-2/#comments to be a leader among you must be your servant. . . . For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
—Mark 10:26, 28 (NLT)
Prayer for the Week
Breath Prayer
Inhale: Jesus, Son of God
Exhale: Have mercy on me, a sinner.
Inhale: Ever-present God
Exhale: May I feel you here.
Inhale: You know me.
Exhale: You love me.
Inhale: You know my neighbors.
Exhale: You love my neighbors.
Inhale: You see me.
Exhale: You see the unseen.
Inhale: Help me to see
Exhale: All your children.
Inhale: God of love
Exhale: May all know your love.
—Prayer by Rachel Gilmore in Where We Meet
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
What is Lent? When is Lent? Why do we set it apart? Learn more about this special season by reading Lent 101.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
1 Comment
Continuing to read and re-read and re-read the Gospels – seeing Christ’s interaction with others and asking the Spirit to lead me in my interactions. To seek conviction when needed, to strive to be Christlike to all.
Julie and Robert’s absences are notable. Father God – You hold them in the palm of Your hand. Meet their needs, shepherd them well. Bring them back safely to us.
Father God – this first Sunday of Lent – may we quiet ourselves, the activities of the week let go behind us. Might we consider what we can give up sacrificially, as well as take on sacrificially, as we seek to glorify You. You are our audience.
Add Comment