Enjoy and send me your questions or comments.
Texts: Exod. 17:1-7; Psalms 95; Rom. 5:1-11
CENTERING YOURSELF
Source of resurrection and life,
as I continue my journey through this season of Lent,
I turn to you for guidance and strength.
Help me to focus on your Word
and to meditate on the message
that reminds me of your constant presence and provision for me.
I rejoice with the psalmist who calls me—
to worship you with gratitude and joy.
I am inspired by the message of the Apostle Paul which assures me of your love and grace. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to center my heart and mind on you.
SACRED READING
Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:7b NRSVUE)
For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. (Psalm 95:7a NRSVUE)
But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NRSVUE)
READING FROM SOME FAMILIAR TEACHERS
God’s grace is not a legal transaction where God sees the perfect Christ instead of the imperfect me. Grace is the light that shines in our darkness; it’s a gift, it’s favor, it’s mercy.” Nadia Bolz-Weber
We need no wings to go in search of Him, but have only to find a place where we can be alone and look upon Him present within us. Teresa of Avila
God loved us before he made us, and his love has never diminished and never shall. Julian of Norwich
May we be the people who do not offer simple answers but instead offer a simple love. Sarah Bessey
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- How do you understand the concept of God’s grace in your life? Is it a legal transaction or a gift of love and mercy? How does your understanding impact your daily living?
- Have there been times when you doubted God’s provision for you? How did you work through those doubts?
- In what ways can you be an agent of the peace and reconciliation in the world, as Jesus taught us?
- How can you cultivate a more profound trust in God’s mercy and provision in your life?
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, I have often strayed from your
path and have not trusted in your love and goodness. I have
complained and grumbled when faced with challenges and have
doubted your provision for me. I ask for your forgiveness and
the strength to return to you. Help me to trust in your
mercy and to seek your will in all things.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
The good news is God is the rock of my salvation.
Though I falter and stumble on life’s journey,
God always forgives me and sets me back on the right path.
With humility, I trust in God’s compassion and grace,
knowing I am forgiven and made new in Christ.
PRAYING FOR OTHERS
Loving God,
In times of rebelling, you provided water
for the thirsty Israelites in the wilderness.
Showing your care and compassion for your people.
I am inspired by the call to worship
and obedience in Psalm 95, and am assured
of your grace and mercy through Jesus, my savior
In light of such marvel and grace,
I intercede for all humankind and creation.
I pray for those who are struggling with illness,
grief, and pain, and I ask that you comfort and heal them.
I also pray for those who are in positions of leadership and authority,
that your wisdom and justice would guide them.
Help us, your creations, to follow in the footsteps of Jesus,
who taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
May I be an agent of your peace and reconciliation in the world,
and we share your love and grace with all those I meet.
BLESSING
As I leave this space of reflection,
I carry with me the assurance of Your love and grace,
and will share this love and grace with all who I meet.
And now, loving God, shower me with your blessings,
grace, and peace, and always be with me.