Lent Devotional
A Call to Repentance & Renewal
Week 1
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV)
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
When you think of Lent, what comes to mind?
Growing up Roman Catholic, I often thought of Lent as a time when my family ate less candy and had ashes smeared on our foreheads in the shape of a cross. Maybe that’s true for you too—you associate Lent with giving up [insert random vice here] for forty days.
But Lent is so much more than that.
Historically, Lent has been a season of fasting, repentance, and renewal—a time set apart to prepare our hearts for the hope of Easter. Our prayer is that Lent 2025 would be a season of deeper intimacy with God—a journey of confession & repentance, renewal & rest, and meditation & fasting. In the words of Joel, let’s return to the Lord with all our hearts.
—Sage Rodrigo
As you prepare for Lent this season, what do you hope to learn from The Lord? Consider going through a Lectio Divina.
Read Joel 2:12–13.
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.
This verse often appears on coffee mugs or cards, but it provides an opportunity for us during Lent to shift from relying on our strength to embracing the Spirit’s power.
Zerubbabel, a descendent of David and the governor of Judah, faced an overwhelming task: rebuilding the temple, the sacred meeting place between God and His people (Ezra 5:2, Hag. 1:1). Around 538-536 BC, Jerusalem was in ruins and there seemed to be no way to complete the mission. When faced with my own “impossible” task, like getting to church on time with the kids who are still in pajamas at 8:55am, I’m quick to rely on sheer determination. Even in preparing my heart for Lent, I catch myself trying to force spiritual growth through effort alone.
But God’s Words through Zechariah reminds not only Zerubbabel that the way to God is not through strength but through the Spirit’s empowerment. Even more encouraging is the name of God in the passage: the LORD of hosts, the commander of heaven’s armies. He holds ultimate power and authority. The same Spirit who strengthened Zerubbabel empowers us to draw near to God through Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest.
—Ryan Crider
Prayer
God, Jesus, thank you for being worthy of it all and commanding the armies of heaven! LORD I confess that I quickly turn to my own strength instead of to you and the Spirit. Please forgive me and show me areas of my life that I can surrender to you. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflect
Where am I relying on my own strength instead of the Spirit of God?
How can I trust the LORD of hosts with what feels impossible today?
Read Zechariah 4:6.
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Week 2
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Zechariah 9:9 is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, spoken during a time when Jerusalm lay in ruins and its people struggled with discouragement (see the last devo). Into this despair, God declared hope: a righteous and humble King was coming to bring salvation.
Centuries later, Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:1-11; John 12:12-19). He brought more than political restoration, He offered eternal salvation for all who believe. Zechariah 8:23 extends this promise saying that people from every nation would recognize God’s presence among His people and seek to follow Him.
In life’s transitions, moving, starting anew, facing uncertainty, we can feel displaced and hopeless much like the people in Zechariah’s time. During my time in the Army, my family and I experienced frequent moves. Each time, we left behind beloved friends, supportive communities, and vibrant churches. It often felt like we would never find that same sense of belonging again. Yet, God faithfully provided, proving that His promises hold firm no matter where we are.
If you’re in a season of waiting or change, please take heart because the same King who brought hope to Jerusalem is at work in your life. He is faithful to His promises, righteous in His ways, and mighty to save.
Prayer
Lord, thank you Jesus for being the faithful king who fulfills His promises. Thank you for bringing righteousness and salvation as you humbly entered Jerusalem on a donkey. Please forgive me for the times I do not trust you. Please remind my soul of your hope and faithfulness in every season of life. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, amen.
—Ryan Crider
Reflection Questions
Where do I need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness today?
How does Jesus’ humility and righteousness encourage me during uncertainty?
Read Zechariah 9:9.
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Confession & Repentance
How has the Spirit convicted you this week? Confess this to God and to someone else, turn away and repent of it.
John 15:1-5 (ESV)
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
We often feel the need to work harder at becoming a ‘better’ Christian—to prove ourselves, to make God proud, to finally get it together. Maybe you’re thinking, “another year has passed, and I didn’t do all the things I wanted to do.” Maybe following Jesus just feels like a lot right now.
Jesus calls himself the vine because the vine imparts to its branches sap and fruit. Likewise,Christ infuses into his followers his divine strength and life. Can you believe it?! Christ, infuses into us HIS strength and HIS life… Incredible! But for this to occur, we must be connected to the vine. We must abide in Him. But what’s it mean to abide?
Abide - verb - uh-BYDE
to remain, to not depart, to continue to be present, to continue to be, to endure, to remain as one.
Jesus is calling us to remain, to not depart, to endure, to remain as one… in HIM. We don’t have to sustain ourselves because Christ is the one who sustains our life. Apart from him we can do nothing, friends. Our walk with God is not about striving to produce fruit or working harder to earn what Jesus freely gives. Instead, it’s about remaining in Christ. When we abide in Him, the fruit will naturally follow—not by our effort, but by His power. He is the one who gives us everything we need to be fruitful. We can’t produce fruit by our own will and works, it is Jesus who imparts all that he is to us.
Take five deep breaths and remind yourself that Jesus isn’t asking you to strive—He’s asking you to abide. What is one small way you can practice abiding in Him today?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I praise you for my life in you, I am so grateful for Your sacrifice and Your willingness to abide in the Father to the point of death on the cross. Today. I confess that consistently, I feel [insert confession what keeps you from going to Christ], so I come before you to ask you to help me abide in you, to help me remain, to help me be present before you. I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Juliana Quintero
Reflection Questions
What areas of your life feel driven by striving rather than abiding in Jesus? How might you invite Him into those spaces today?
Jesus promises that abiding in Him leads to fruitfulness. What does it look like for you to trust in His power rather than your own efforts to produce spiritual growth?
Read John 15:1-5.
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Silence & Solitude/Meditation (30-60 min)
Free yourself of distractions, be present with God.
Week 3
Colossians 4:3–6 (ESV)
At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Do you ever think about who you share the gospel with and to, and with that, how you share it to them? If we read through Acts, we see that Paul would share the gospel in different (but non-compromising!) ways that led to different groups of people being persuaded by the gospel message (Acts 17:4; Acts 18;4). This is what we see Paul reiterating in Colossians 4:3–6. Paul is asking us to be intentional in our speech towards outsiders, being sure that "we make the best use of our time," "letting our speech…be seasoned with salt" with the ultimate goal of "knowing how we ought to answer each person."
If you look at the root word of the word “salt” it means “to raise up,” to “elevate,” to lift up. The way we “elevate” our speech towards outsiders is by “knowing how…to answer each person.” How we salt, or, elevate the gospel to those outside of the faith is of huge importance. Salt doesn’t just add flavor; it preserves, enhances, and makes people thirst for more. Does your speech make people thirst for the truth of Christ?
The key is not that we “elevate” or enhance the gospel itself by our mere humanity—it is already the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). Rather, we elevate how we present it. Paul isn’t saying we add to the message, but that we should communicate it in a way that removes obstacles, meets people where they are, and makes the truth as clear and compelling as possible. As Paul says in verse 3: God is the one who “opens to us a door for the word,” but it is Paul who is “declaring” that gospel message.
Prayer
Jesus, I confess I don't often “earnestly ask with eagerness for open doors to share about you.” I don't often think of how to appropriately communicate to the outsider such that the mystery of Christ is made clear and bring the outsider in. God, thank you for sending Jesus who had perfect words to share to different people. May I be more intentional and attuned to how I may have speech that is "seasoned with salt and gracious at all times."
—Nico
Reflection Questions
During this season of Lent, as we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and prepare our hearts for renewal, how can you be more intentional in praying for open doors to share the gospel? In what ways can your speech be more gracious and “seasoned with salt” so that others might thirst for the truth of Christ?
When you think about sharing your faith, what are some opportunities you might be overlooking? How can you pray for open doors to share the gospel this week?
Paul encourages us to have speech that is “gracious” and “seasoned with salt.” What might it look like for you to speak with both clarity and kindness when engaging with those outside the faith?
Read Colossians 4:3–6
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Confession & Repentance
How has the Spirit convicted you this week? Confess this to God and to someone else, turn away and repent of it.
Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV)
Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
What a beautiful statement Paul makes. Knowing Jesus is better than gaining everything. Paul says he counts everything as loss compared to just knowing Christ! Jesus is better than gaining everything.
One of the motivations of the Lent season is to give up something(s) to focus more on Christ and His gospel. Unfortunately, often the focus is simply giving up something, not the gaining that can occur because of the surrender of lesser things. But what if, what if you could truly gain Christ? Because you’re surrendering something, what if this creates space for Christ to come and fill this empty space? It does! In irony, you must often empty yourself of “good things” so that they stay good things, and don’t become “God-things” in your heart!
Jesus says in Matthew 6:19, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” You will worship (heart) what you treasure. If we give up certain treasures, and seek to put Christ in that place, the promise is that He does come (Mt. 6:33). Seek to add more of Jesus today.
Prayer
Father, thank you that you sent your Son that I might know you. Would you help me to not just cast off the old, but put on the new, which is you, Christ my King. Give me more of you, and teach me what it means to have intimacy with you, even in this season. In your name, Christ, I pray, amen.
—Toriano Mayo
Reflection Questions
What are some "good things" in your life that might be taking the place of the "God-thing"? How can you surrender those to gain more of Christ?
As you consider the season of Lent, what specific practice or habit could help you focus on the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus more deeply?
Read Philippians 3:7-8
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Fasting
When hungry, instead of eating, let prayer and dependence be your sustenance.
Week 4
1 Thessalonians 1:9b-10
... and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
The Lenten season is one of waiting expectantly. Waiting for the day where we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ: the long awaited Lamb of God who came to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Yet, even more than this, we learn from Paul’s letter to Thessalonica that we should wait all the more eagerly for Christ’s return. That once we turn toward Him for justification, we become people who wait for Him to usher us into complete glorification.
The word for “wait”, in the original Greek, has the idea of waiting with patience and trust. Though we wait, we should do so with a confident expectation in Jesus’s inevitable return. This knowledge bubbles up within us, giving us the ability to suffer long and persevere, no matter our current circumstances!
Prayer
Father God, we confess how difficult it is for us to wait for anything, and all things. So in our weakness, we ask for Your grace and the strength needed to endure all things in this life. Help us, Holy Spirit, to keep our eyes on the day when Christ will return for us in glory. Come Lord Jesus!
— Jenna Moles
Reflection Questions
Friend, what are you waiting for in this season? And, how are you waiting in this season?
Are you waiting in such a way that points towards this tremendous hope we have in Christ?
Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9b-10
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Confession & Repentance
How has the Spirit convicted you this week? Confess this to God and to someone else, turn away and repent of it.
Ezekiel 2:8-3:3
“But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Be not rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe. And he said to me, “Son of man, eat whatever you find here. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey.
The theme of Ezekiel’s call was to remind the people of Israel who their God was and in turn, their own identity. God called Ezekiel to tell the people to repent from their rebellion and turn back to the LORD and his commands. This was the lamentation, the mourning, and the woe of the Israelites that filled the page. As I read this passage and imagined the scroll in front of me - lamentation, mourning, and woes from my own life - I see the ways that I have similarly grieved God. As I imagined this scroll filled up in front of me, I realized that God sees it all. He sees the sorrow. He sees the pain. He sees my failures, even the ones that hurt him.
We can all agree… Ezekiel, that was weird for you to eat the scroll. In fact though, he didn’t eat the scroll, the text says that he opened his mouth and the Lord fed him the scroll. But what an amazing example of obedience. Despite what was on the scroll, he still accepts the call to receive the scroll. He accepted this call not knowing that on the other side, it would bring a taste as sweet as honey. I wonder if we were to trust the Lord like Ezekiel did, what would we end up experiencing? What would the Lord turn our mourning into? What would we find on the other side of our lamentation? What would our woes become here on earth? When we believe God is who He says he is, when we choose the Word of God over the lies of Satan, we remember and receive life. God’s desire for us, albeit convicting, is always better than what the world or my flesh have to offer.
There is another who obeyed, and is the better Ezekiel to follow. Jesus Christ, our Savior took on the entire world’s woes, mourning and lamentation - the bitter scroll. We know that Jesus wasn’t a robot, he honestly asks the Father - please take this cup away, and then he says “nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus’ obedience was the only way for all who believe to receive the sweetness of life. His sacrifice for you means everlasting joy and celebration. It means blessing and delight, it means a song of thanksgiving and rejoicing. Obedience to the Lord, means we experience more of him.
Our faith is just that, faith. We don’t always know what our obedience will produce, but our God is kind, he cannot sin against us. So my brothers and sisters, as we reflect on what Christ has done, and what a weight it was that he carried, I hope we reflect on the freedom He brings as we walk with Him, obeying all that He has commanded. You who are in Christ have a song of praise to offer Him, a life of delight to live, and an eternity of gladness, comfort, and peace to experience. His word transforms us, oh, if we would just taste and see…
Prayer
Father, you are a God who sees. I pray that as we spend time with you that we would see more clearly the good you have for us. I pray we would leave our own understanding behind and that we would trust in your understanding and find pleasure with you. Thank you for Jesus, our High Priest, who understands our weaknesses because you were faced with all the same testings as a man, and yet, did not sin. Would we believe that and come to your throne boldly to receive your mercy and find your grace. Thank you for your love, a love which is never ending. Lord, you are worthy of all praise and honor. I pray all these things in Jesus Christ name, amen.
—Andersen Lopez
Reflection Questions
Ezekiel obeyed God’s strange command without knowing the outcome. What is one area in your life where God is calling you to trust Him in obedience, even when it feels unfamiliar or uncomfortable?
God’s Word, though convicting at times, ultimately brings life and sweetness. How can you create space this week to “taste and see” the goodness of God’s Word in your daily life?
Read Ezekiel 2:8-3:3 (ESV)
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Week 5
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confession means agreeing with God about our sin. Still, 1 John 1:9 raises questions: How conditional is forgiveness? What about sins we don’t realize we’ve committed?
Jesus answers these questions in John 13, where He washes His disciples’ feet. Peter protests though and says, “You shall never wash my feet.” In Peter’s mind, there’s no way he’ll let the God of the universe wash his dirty feet! But how does Jesus answer back? “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”
Peter then essentially says, “in that case, wash all of me Lord!” Then Jesus clarifies. Read closely what he says: “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean…”
While Christ’s blood has fully washed those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord and savior, we still need ongoing cleansing for ongoing sins. Like dirty feet from walking, sin’s effects can accumulate, but Jesus washes us anew, enabling growth in Him.
Through repentance and belief, Christ took our punishment and offered His forgiveness. He’s faithful and just—not demanding a second payment for what’s already been paid. Now confess, let Him cleanse you, and remember: Jesus paid it all.
Prayer
Jesus, I confess my sins to you. Thank you for your blood! You have forgiven me and cleansed me pure. Help me be more concerned with killing sin than with keeping appearances. Wash my feet and enable me to walk in freedom today. Amen.
—Sage Rodrigo
Reflection Questions
What sins or struggles have you been trying to hide or manage on your own, rather than bringing them to Jesus in confession?
How does understanding that Jesus has already paid for your sins change the way you approach confession and forgiveness?
Read 1 John 1:9
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Confession & Repentance
How has the Spirit convicted you this week? Confess this to God and to someone else, turn away and repent of it.
John 12:20-26
Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
In this passage, the Gentiles are coming to the disciples and their request is to see Jesus. As Jesus encounters them, he gives such a paradoxical statement - he says that the way to life and fruitfulness is through death. Jesus claims that fruit is birthed through dying to ourselves. This is consistent with Galatians 2:20, which says that we have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer us who live. Jesus is the true seed. He died a brutal death on the cross and then went into the grave for three days. He didn’t stay dead, though. He resurrected and is now sitting at the right hand of the Father. We, and all of the nations, are now the fruit of His death.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, search my heart and show me all of the ways in which I have not fully surrendered my will to Jesus. I long to look more like Jesus and live to Him. Help me identify the areas that I need to die, so that Christ can live more fully in me. Pruning is not easy; I need your help. Thank you that you are the perfect model for this. Thank you for dying for me and that you are alive and reigning. I love you, Jesus.
—Tyler Collins
Reflection Questions
Where is the Holy Spirit asking you to die so that Christ can live more in and through you?
How does trusting in Jesus' example of death leading to life change the way you view sacrifice in your own life?
Read John 12:20-26
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Silence & Solitude/Meditation (30-60 min)
Free yourself of distractions, be present with God.
Week 6
Psalm 62:5-8
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
This psalm was written by David in a time of deep betrayal by someone close to him. He is reminding himself of the importance of finding his hope in God and trusting him alone.
There is so much wisdom and promise in this psalm. God is our rock, refuge and a listening ear in our distress. As we spend the weeks leading up to Easter reorienting our hearts to God as our main and only hope, use the words of this psalm to remind you of his character.
Read the text again and praise the Lord for the different attributes you can see in these four verses. Spend a few minutes in thanksgiving for the hope we have in Him!
Remember to wait on Him, pour out your heart to Him, share your sorrow, joy, confusion, and allow Him to be a refuge for you!
Prayer
God, I confess my wandering heart that seeks to solve my own problems. I surrender my heart and my circumstances to you today. Be my refuge, my hope and my rock. Where I am prone not to trust you show me more of your heart for me.
Amen.
—Chandler Miner
Reflection Questions
What does it look like for you to truly wait in silence and trust God as your refuge, rather than trying to solve things on your own?
When was the last time you poured out your heart before God? What might be holding you back from doing so today?
Read Psalm 62:5-8.
Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First reading. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second reading. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that particularly strikes you.
Third reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth reading. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Confession & Repentance
How has the Spirit convicted you this week? Confess this to God and to someone else, turn away and repent of it.
The Forbearance of God in the Garden
The patience and forbearance of the Lord is wildly scandalous and amazing. One of the foremost characteristics of God’s nature is his forbearance, also known as, longsuffering.
Paul tells readers, in Romans 2:4, that God’s goodness, in how he displays his patience (the withholding of his righteous judgement) is actually meant to lead people to repentance.
As readers of the scriptures, we can initially observe God’s forbearance in the first few chapters of Genesis. Moses, in his writing to the people of Israel, details the well-known story of Adam & Eve in the garden of Eden. Most people are very familiar with this narrative but I wonder if we meditate on that scripture repeatedly enough to observe all of the wonderful characteristics of God in that text?
In Genesis 2:16-17, Moses highlights God’s command to Adam:
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, 17 but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.”
The operative and intriguing phrase in this command is on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die. In plain English, one might assume this Hebrew phrase, mot tamut – literally "dying you shall die", is saying that Adam and Eve would face an instant death upon the moment of their disobedience. But as we continue to read we can observe that instant death is not the case. So then, what does it mean for Adam and Eve to die as they are dying?
Most Christian scholars ascertain this phrase points to a dual-reality of life and death – that Adam & Eve experienced an instant death of their Spiritual life (connection to God) at the point of sin. In addition to their instant spiritual death, their mortality began, triggering their path towards an eventual physical death as well.
What Does This Have To Do With God’s Forbearance?
How Genesis 3 Shows Forbearance
| Action | Description | How It Shows Forbearance |
| Delayed death | They don’t die physically that day | God doesn’t immediately destroy them |
| Spiritual consequences unfold slowly | Separation, pain, exile—but life continues | God allows them time to live, reflect, and multiply |
| Promise of redemption (Gen 3:15) | Protoevangelium: the seed will crush the serpent | Mercy is extended even within judgment |
| God clothes them (Gen 3:21) | Symbol of care and possibly substitution | A gracious provision despite rebellion |
| Exile from Eden | Banishment with boundaries | Not annihilation, but redirection toward redemption |
I think one of the reason’s the spirit inspired Moses to include these details highlighting God’s forbearing nature is that all of humanity will need to recognize the Holy God is not wanting any to perish but that we would all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
The biblical authors will transition from following Adam & Eve’s failures to talking about all the failures of many others; highlighting how over-and-over-again creation will betray its creator. One thing that is consistent is that God is slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love; a compassionate God full of love and truth. (Exodus 34:6)
—Krys Henry
Reflection Questions:
- Personal Understanding of God’s Character
→ Do I tend to think of God more as a harsh judge or a patient Father? Why?
This question sets the tone for how you personally perceive God's character—essential for everything that follows. - Spiritual Awareness
→ Are there areas in my life where I need to respond to God’s patience with repentance?
Building on your view of God, this question moves you to examine your heart and the invitation His patience offers. - The Gospel in Genesis
→ What does the clothing of Adam and Eve tell me about God’s heart for covering shame?
This ties beautifully into the idea of repentance and God’s response—not with condemnation, but with covering and grace. - Application of Forbearance
→ How can I reflect God’s forbearance toward others—especially those who frustrate or hurt me?
Having received patience and grace, this prompts a natural next step: living it out toward others. - Awe and Worship
→ How might meditating on God’s forbearance increase my gratitude and dependence on Him?
This brings the reflection full circle—moving from understanding and response to worshipful awe.
Fasting
When hungry, instead of eating, let prayer and dependence be your sustenance.
Week 7
April 14: Holy Monday
Passage: Matthew 21:12–19 (ESV)
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of
the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be
called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple,
and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the
children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you
hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and
nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” 17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.
18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went
to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig
tree withered at once.
Lectio Divina Reflections: Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First Reading: Read the passage slowly. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures
your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second Reading: Read the passage again. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that
particularly strikes you.
Third Reading: Read the passage once more. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage
seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth Reading: Read the passage again. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage
might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in
prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Passage: Matthew 21:23–46 (ESV)
23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching,
and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus answered them,
“I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these
things. 25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among
themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say,
‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We do
not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. 28 “What do you think? A
man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I
will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he
answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to
them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John
came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes
believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. 33 “Hear another
parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it
and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. 34 When the season for fruit drew near, he
sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. 35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and
stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. 37 Finally he sent
his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves,
‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ 39 And they took him and threw him out of the
vineyard and killed him. 40 When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” 41
They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will
give him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that
the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. 44 And
the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” 45 When the
chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. 46 And although
they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
Lectio Divina Reflections: Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First Reading: Read the passage slowly. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures
your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second Reading: Read the passage again. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that
particularly strikes you.
Third Reading: Read the passage once more. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage
seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth Reading: Read the passage again. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage
might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in
prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Passage: Matthew 26:1–16 (ESV)
26 When Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that after two days the Passover is
coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” 3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people
gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, 4 and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus
by stealth and kill him. 5 But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.” 6 Now when
Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very
expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. 8 And when the disciples saw it, they were
indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9 For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” 10 But
Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. 11 For
you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me. 12 In pouring this ointment on my body, she has
done it to prepare me for burial. 13 Truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she
has done will also be told in memory of her.” 14 Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the
chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.
16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Lectio Divina Reflections: Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First Reading: Read the passage slowly. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures
your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second Reading: Read the passage again. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that
particularly strikes you.
Third Reading: Read the passage once more. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage
seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth Reading: Read the passage again. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage
might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in
prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Passage: Matthew 26:20–75 (ESV)
20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you,
one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?”
23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is
written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he
had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” 26
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take,
eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all
of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I
will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” 30 And
when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away
because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32
But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of
you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will
deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said
the same. 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I
go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and
troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And
going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;
nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to
Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The
spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if
this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes
were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45
Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the
Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” 47 While he
was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief
priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the
man; seize him.” 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said
to him, “Friend, do what you came to do.” Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And
behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the
high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the
sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more
than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” 55 At that hour
Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after
day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the
prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled. 57 Then those who had seized Jesus led him to
Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. 58 And Peter was following him at a
distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end. 59 Now the
chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, 60 but
they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I
am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest stood up and said, “Have
you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high
priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him,
“You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and
coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has uttered blasphemy. What
further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your judgment?” They answered, “He
deserves death.” 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him. And some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, you
Christ! Who is it that struck you?” 69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came up to him
and said, “You also were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you
mean.” 71 And when he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders, “This
man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.” 73 After a little
while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” 74
Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster
crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And
he went out and wept bitterly.
Lectio Divina Reflections: Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First Reading: Read the passage slowly. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures
your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second Reading: Read the passage again. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that
particularly strikes you.
Third Reading: Read the passage once more. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage
seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth Reading: Read the passage again. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage
might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in
prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Passage: Matthew 27:1–16 (ESV)
27 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to
death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor. 3 Then when Judas, his
betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the
chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See
to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged
himself. 6 But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is
blood money.” 7 So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. 8
Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the
prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by
some of the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.” 11 Now Jesus stood
before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12
But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not
hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that
the governor was greatly amazed. 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one
prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.
Lectio Divina Reflections: Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First Reading: Read the passage slowly. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures
your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second Reading: Read the passage again. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that
particularly strikes you.
Third Reading: Read the passage once more. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage
seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth Reading: Read the passage again. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage
might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in
prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Passage: Matthew 27:62–66 (ESV)
62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and
said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order
the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has
risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of
soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and
setting a guard.
Lectio Divina Reflections: Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First Reading: Read the passage slowly. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures
your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second Reading: Read the passage again. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that
particularly strikes you.
Third Reading: Read the passage once more. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage
seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth Reading: Read the passage again. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage
might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in
prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.
Passage: Matthew 28 (ESV)
28 Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to
see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and
came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4
And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be
afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the
place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going
before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear
and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up
and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to
go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” 11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and
told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel,
they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole
him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of
trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to
this day. 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when
they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven
and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And
behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Lectio Divina Reflections: Quiet yourself and ask the Holy Spirit to guard and guide your meditation.
First Reading: Read the passage slowly. One-minute silent reflection before God. Take notice of whatever captures
your attention in the passage or in your inner experience.
Second Reading: Read the passage again. One-minute silent reflection. Listen for a single word or phrase that
particularly strikes you.
Third Reading: Read the passage once more. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. Listen to how the passage
seems to touch your life experience.
Fourth Reading: Read the passage again. Three to five minutes of silent reflection. What do you feel the passage
might be inviting you to do? What is God inviting you to be? How is God inviting you to change? Spend some time in
prayer over what you received from God’s word, and give thanks for his gift to you.