Journey to the Cross

Pause

Transform my fear, that I might proclaim courage.

Transform my doubt, that I might proclaim hope.

Transform my uncertainty, that I might proclaim faith.

Transform my sin, that I might proclaim forgiveness.

Listen

Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord! This is the Lord’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it.

Psalm 118:19-20

 

Think

At my church we have a lych gate that stands in front of our sanctuary. Lych gates are common at churches, camps, cemeteries, and other holy spaces. Traditionally the gate was used during funerals and weddings. Today my church community associates the gate with the marking of milestones in our lives.

Every Sunday I make a point of walking under the lych gate before entering the sanctuary. This helps me leave behind that which is of the world as I enter into worship. I try to set aside my worries, doubts, and fears to focus on what’s at hand: worship.

After the service, I pass through the gate again and re-enter the world and my daily life. As I do so, I pray that I might carry a bit of the holiness I experienced in worship and that my thoughts and actions throughout the week will be righteous. I go with the faith that God will be by my side.

How do you mark the milestones in your life? How do you give God thanks and praise?

Samantha Haycock

Pray

God of righteousness, through you I know what is right and true. Free me from worry and fill me with hope. Help me to mark the moments of my life where you are there, so that I might give you thanks and praise. Open your gates to the world, that we might reflect your righteousness. Amen.

Go

Proclaim God’s truth in all you do.

Go with courage.

Go with hope.

Go with faith.

Forgive and be forgiven.

All in Jesus’ name.