Pause

Long after the sun sets, its light remains in the reflection of the moon and the living things nourished by its warmth.

Close your eyes for just a moment. In this present darkness, be reminded that you are never alone. Feel God's presence already with you, calling you forward.

When you are ready, open your eyes and heart, and take these first steps in the journey to the cross.

Listen

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12

Think

β€œOh, Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way.” This old country tune by Mac Davis is a lighthearted attempt to reveal two truths: nobody is perfect, and it really is hard to be humble.

The word “humble” shares the same root as the word “human.” It means being close to the ground. Many people think of humble as being beaten down, weak, or even wimpy. I like to think of it as grounded, or stable (not grounded like what you get for breaking curfew).

Lent teaches us to live life in such a way that we are always open to the healing work of God. But it takes a whole life, not just moments when it’s convenient. When our hearts are tuned to the leadership of the Spirit, we can stand – grounded – with eyes turned up and arms stretched out to embrace a world that needs some good news.

Daniel Ingram

Pray

Creator God, create in me a clean heart. Christ my savior, restore to me the joy of your salvation. Holy Spirit, sustain in me a willing spirit, so that my whole life will be a reflection of your love. Amen.

Go

Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise,

Thou mine inheritance, now and always:

Thou and thou only, first in my heart,

Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.

Irish song (8th cenury); tr. Mary E. Byrne