Lenten Devotions 2010
Remembering Our Baptism
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Congruity Presbyterian Church
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We hope you enjoy using these Lenten Devotions. The pastor and worship committee have selected a theme of remembering our baptism, and what that means to our life of faith, as a theme for Lent in 2010. We hope the use of these scripture passages and prayers deepens your understanding of the sacrament of baptism, and your new life in Christ. This theme will also be explored during the worship service each Sunday.
Week One Wednesday, February 17: The ministry of John the Baptist Read Luke 3.1-17 Prayer: God of power and might, through your gift of the Holy Spirit, we are led to the waters of baptism. May the abiding presence of your Spirit lead us to know more fully who it is you call us to be, and what it is you call us to do. Amen.
Thursday, February 18: The baptism of Jesus Read Luke 3.21-22 Prayer: Gracious and loving God, We are thankful that you claim us through the waters of baptism, as your own children, just as you claimed Jesus at his baptism. Let us remember the words, “You are my child, my beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Amen.
Friday, February 19: The sufficiency of Christ Read Colossians 2.8-15 Prayer: God of justice and truth, through baptism you promise to erase the record that stands against us. Help us this Lenten season to acknowledge our failures, and accept your forgiveness, as we seek the fullness of life in Christ. Amen.
Saturday, February 20: Christ the true vine Read John 15.1-17 Prayer: Holy God, we are grateful that you call us and name us as your own people, before we even have the will or the knowledge to claim you. By your Spirit, show us the way to a joyful life as your children. Amen.
Week Two Sunday, February 21: The first ingathering of souls Read Acts 2.37-42 Prayer: God of power and might, in this season of reflection and repentance, open our hearts and minds that we might see those things we have done, which we ought not do, and also those things we should do, but which we neglect. Amen. Monday, February 22: The great commission Read Matthew 28.16-20 Prayer: God of justice and truth, by His resurrection, your Son has conquered sin and death, and called us to take this good news to all nations. Send your Spirit to guide us and strengthen us that we might boldly proclaim the grace you bestow upon us at our baptism. Amen. Tuesday, February 23: The blessings of the redeemed Read 1 Peter 1.1-9 Prayer: Gracious and loving God, by your great mercy you have given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We rejoice that you have chosen us, sanctified us and given us the gift of faith. Amen. Wednesday, February 24: Varieties of gifts Read 1 Corinthians 12.4-11 Prayer: Holy God, we are grateful that you call us and name us as your own people. Make us mindful of the gifts of the Spirit which you give your people individually in great abundance and variety. Bless us that we might use these gifts to serve you. Amen. Thursday, February 25: United in his death Read Romans 6.1-14 Prayer: Holy God, Although He was without sin your Son chose to stand among your people and receive baptism, forever identifying with our transgressions. Show us how we might walk in newness of life, no longer enslaved to sin, but set free to live in Christ. Amen. Friday, February 26: The superiority of faith over law Read Galatians 3.23-4.7 Prayer: Loving God, We delight in your Word that tells us we are your children, heirs of the covenant made with Abraham. Help us to love as you have loved, with no distinctions. Being baptized into Christ, we are all one in Christ, through the gift of faith. Amen. Saturday, February 27: The unity of the church Read Ephesians 4.1-16 Prayer: God and Father of all, by your grace we have been baptized into one body. Help us to grow in every way to be the people you call, and the church you have called to be the body of Christ. Send your Holy Spirit to dwell in and among us for the building up of your church. Amen.
WEEK THREE Sunday, February 28: The covenant restated Read Genesis 17.1-8 Prayer: Eternal God, you have been faithful to your covenant and to your people. No matter how many times we turn from you, you continue to call us, making us more and more each day into the faithful ones you want us to be. Amen.
Monday, March 1: Paul at Read Acts 18.1-17 Prayer: Holy God, You have called many to serve you by teaching your word, and baptizing others in your name. Give us the wisdom to hear what you would have them say to us, and the courage to speak out when you call on us. Amen.
Tuesday, March 2: Paul at Read Acts 16.11-24 Prayer: Gracious and loving God, by your great mercy you have claimed us for a new life in Christ. You offer new strength for those who walk the path of faith. We ask that you would continue to shape us and mold us, and give us the strength we need for this journey. Amen.
Wednesday, March 3: Paul at Philippi, continued Read Acts 16.25-40 Prayer: God of power and might, you have set your people free from the bondage of sin. Through the waters of baptism we have the sign and seal that we have been washed clean. Open our eyes as we examine our lives to see those things we cling to that keep us from living as forgiven people. Amen. Thursday, March 4: Appeal and exhortation to Timothy Read 2 Timothy 1.1-14 Prayer: God our Father, you have given us the gift of faith and send your Holy Spirit to give us power and love and self-discipline. Strengthen us when our faith falters. Do not let us become discouraged, but rekindle the gifts you have placed within us. Amen.
Friday, March 5: The prayer for the church Read John 17.20-26 Prayer: Loving God, in our baptism, we are named as your children. We thank you for the gift of your church, where we dwell together as your family. Make us one, so that others might also come to believe in you. Help us to show your love as we live together as the body of Christ, our savior. Amen. Saturday, March 6: Question 70 of the Study Catechism What is the main difference between baptism and the Lord’s Supper? While I receive baptism only once, I receive the Lord’s Supper again and again. Being unrepeatable, baptism indicates not only that Christ died for our sins once and for all, but that by grace, we are also united with him once and for all through faith. Being repeatable, the Lord’s Supper indicates that as we turn unfilled to him again and again, our Lord continually meets us in the power of the Holy Spirit to renew and deepen our faith. Prayer: God and Father of all, we thank you for the gift of the sacraments, signs and seals of your grace. United with Christ, you hold us with a love that does not forsake or let go. Help us when we turn aside and wander down wrong paths in our weakness. Remind us again and again that we have died to sin, and live as new creations. Amen.
WEEK FOUR Sunday, March 7: The thirsty soul Read Psalm 63.1-8 Prayer: Gracious God, your steadfast love is dependable and eternal. Open my heart and mind to your presence this season of Lent. Create in me a spirit of joy and praise all the days of my life. Help me to see you anew each day. Amen.
Monday, March 8: The Christian’s confidence Read 1 Corinthians 15.50-58 Prayer: Holy God, you have conquered the power of death, and given us the victory through your Son, Jesus Christ. In gratitude we are compelled to live lives transformed. Let your ways be our ways. Amen.
Tuesday, March 9: An exhortation to trust God Read Psalm 146 Prayer: Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the great gift of faith. Strengthen our belief that we might have the wisdom to trust in you at all times and in all things. Amen.
Wednesday, March 10: Question 72 of the Study Catechism. What does it mean to be baptized? My baptism means that I am joined to Jesus Christ forever. I am baptized into his death and resurrection, along with all who have received him by faith. As I am baptized with water, he baptizes me with his Spirit, washing away all my sins and freeing me from their control. My baptism is a sign that one day I will rise with him in glory, and may walk with him even now in newness of life. Prayer: God of power and might, you have set your people free from the bondage of sin. Keep our minds on Jesus to remind us of the life we are called to lead. Amen. Thursday, March 11: A sure help Read Romans 8.26-30 Prayer: God our Father, you have called us according to your own purposes. For our weaknesses you have given us the Spirit who intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Trusting you, we follow where you lead. Amen.
Friday, March 12: The Lord of might and grace Read Psalm 147.1-11 Prayer: Mighty God, your kingdom is wonderfully and wondrously made. You have set your children into a world rich with life and resources. Let your spirit inspire our imaginations that we might trust in your plans for our lives. Amen. Saturday, March 13: The prayer for the disciples Read John 17.6-19 Prayer: God and Father of all, we thank you for the gift of your precious Son, redeemer of our sins. When we were washed in baptism, we were raised to new life in Christ, our model of a life of service, given to your glory. Protect us and give us the courage to lead a life true to your calling. Amen.
WEEK FIVE
Sunday, March 14: Grace for trusting sinners Read Isaiah 55.1-13 Prayer: Merciful God, for all who thirst and hunger for you, you have made an everlasting covenant. As surely as the rains and snow come down, you lead us out in joy and back in peace because our sins have been forgiven. Help us to know your thoughts, and your Word. Amen.
Monday, March 15: Question 75 of the Study Catechism. In what name are you baptized? In the name of the trinity. After he was raised from the dead, our Lord appeared to his disciples and said to them, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:19) Prayer: Gracious God, you have called us and sent us your Son to offer us a new way of living, as your children, loved, forgiven and freed from sin. We ask you to keep your Holy Spirit with us as we learn what it means to be free of the bondage of sin, and baptized into the life you call us to live as people chosen, redeemed and held in your hand. Amen.
Tuesday, March 16: Praise of the Lord Read Psalm 111 Prayer: Mighty and eternal Creator, we are astonished each day by the power and beauty of your creation. It is sometimes hard for us to remember to give thanks for those things we can count on each and every day. Give us wisdom and understanding that we might know and receive what you have done for us. Amen.
Wednesday, March 17: God’s complaint against a rebellious people Read Micah 6.1-8 Prayer: Holy God, We are grateful for your freely given gift of grace. Help us to turn away from the things of this world that pull us away from following you completely. Deepen our faith that we might “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with you” in all that we do each and every day of our lives. Amen.
Thursday, March 18: Ruth refuses to leave Naomi Read Ruth 1.1-18 Prayer: God our Father, when you called us your beloved children, you provided us with an eternal family for the ages. Thank you for this great gift. We ask you eternally, O God, not for what we want, but for what it is that you know that we need. Amen.
Friday, March 19: The ethical teaching Read Romans 12.1-21 Prayer: God of Justice, you call us to surrender fully to you ways, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable. But we are not without help. Continue to transform us that we would not only live the life of our calling, but that we might show others the way through our zeal and harmony and hospitality. Amen.
Saturday, March 20: Assurance and abiding in love Read 1 John 3.1-24 Prayer: God and Father of all, we thank you for the gift of your precious Son, redeemer of our sins. When we were washed in baptism, we were raised to new life in Christ. Let your love abide in us, “not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” Amen.
WEEK SIX Sunday, March 21: Jesus’ call to repentance Read Luke 13.1-9 Prayer: Creator God, You have created us in your own image and shown us the way in which you would have us live. And yet, like the fig tree, sometimes we refuse to grow into the people you have called us to be as your children. Send your Holy Spirit to nurture and guide us on our way that we might bear fruit when you have planted us. Amen.
Monday, March 22: The rich young ruler; the peril of riches. Read Mark 10. 17-31 Prayer: Gracious and loving God, You have provided generously for our needs, and yet we sometimes are so fearful for the future that we are unable to trust. We hold on to all we have within reach while turning away from the sight of those who suffer want and need. Grant us a spirit of love and generosity that we might be the kind of children worthy of your kingdom. Amen.
Tuesday, March 23: Christ the way of approach to God Read Hebrews 4.14-16 Prayer: Holy God, You have loved us with a love so deep, that you sent your own son to live among us, showing us that you understand our weaknesses even as you see our sin. Even though He was blameless, Jesus was baptized to show us the way that we might be washed clean and receive your grace. Amen.
Wednesday, March 24: Second rejection of Jesus at Prayer: God of power and might, you are with us every day because of your Son. You are with us in our joys and in our sorrows and in the deep, dark places of our lives. Thank you for your love and grace. Amen. Thursday, March 25: A psalm of praise and trust Read Psalm 34 Prayer: Loving God, At times we cry out to you in fear. We need answers, and we trust in you. You hear our voices and reach back to us, delivering us from our fears, providing refuge and peace. Amen.
Friday, March 26: The apostolic prayer Read Colossians 1.1-23 Prayer: God and Father of all, you have given us faith in Christ, the love of Christian community, and the hope of heaven. You look at our faults with tender loving care. Help us to see ourselves and others as you see us. Amen. Saturday, March 27: from the Confession of 1967, 9.51 By humble submission to John’s baptism, Christ joined himself to men in their need and entered upon his ministry of reconciliation in the power of the Spirit. Christian baptism marks the receiving of the same Spirit by all his people. Baptism with water represents not only cleansing from sin, but a dying with Christ and a joyful rising with him to new Life. Prayer: God and Father of all, Bind us to you, and bless us by your Spirit that we would continue to each day die to sin, and live for righteousness. Amen.
WEEK SEVEN Sunday, March 28: Bartimaeus receives his sight Read Mark 10.46-52 Prayer: Loving God, when we cry out in the darkness, you hear. When we are broken or wounded, you heal. Help us to cry out not only for ourselves, but for all those who have no voice to speak out. Give us the words that need to be heard to whomever they should be spoken. Amen. Read Mark 10. 35-45 Prayer: God of Power and Might, you have given us your son to follow, but sometimes we cling to a desire for stature or places of honor. Help us to see the opportunities to serve in the way that Jesus served, no matter how humble or lowly it may seem. Grant that we would have concern and respect for all of your children. Amen. Read Mark 10.13-16 Prayer: Loving God, you love us even when we are disobedient or willful, because you have named us as your children. Give us the clarity to see ourselves as you see us, and not as others see us. Make us less concerned with what others think, as we learn to trust your love. Amen. Read Luke 20.9-16 Prayer: Holy God, your Son has taught us of the worthiness of all your children. Yet it is so easy for us to show disrespect to Read Mark 14.32-42 Prayer: Gracious and Loving God, Sometimes we doubt that you are near. It is hard to learn to let go of our attempts to control everything around us. When we make mistakes, we turn to fear. Strengthen us that we might trust in you. Give us the words to ask for help. Teach us to be your loyal disciples, trusting in your will for our lives. Amen. Read Mark 15.16-39 Prayer: God of grace, you sent your Son to conquer sin and hatred through service, not by force, and to conquer enemies by converting them, not by destroying them. In your mercy, may your love first conquer our hearts, and then through us, the hearts of others. Amen. Read Mark 15.40-47 Prayer: Merciful God, as we ponder the events of Holy Week, and look to the cross, we wait for the resurrection of life which conquers sin and death. Shine into our hearts. Deliver us from evil. Teach us to serve you, as we wait on your promises. Amen. |
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