Devotionals for the Season of Lent 2023
Ash Wednesday to Holy Saturday
February 22, 2023 to April 8, 2023
Western Hills United Methodist Church
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Editor: Sela E. Finau
Each of the contributors chose Scripture quotations and translations/versions. If one was not selected, the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible was used.
Any errors or misprints in this booklet are unintentional; we ask for grace. You may, however, address any concerns with the editor.
Copyright © Western Hills United Methodist Church 2023.
All Rights Reserved.
Acknowledgment
Thank you to all members and staff who were gracious with their time and willing to dedicate some time and thoughts to writing these beautiful devotionals. May you be blessed with these wonderful inspirational stories and devotionals written by your Western Hills family members as they share their God stories with you. May we firmly hold on to our faith and the hope that binds us in the power of the Resurrection.
‘Ofa lahi atu, Pastor Sela
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Introduction
Welcome to Lent, and Blessings to you!
Thank you for picking up this booklet. Whether you are a member or friend of Jesus, we are delighted you are holding this little booklet. May the stories within encourage and challenge you to walk closely with Christ.
As we begin this season of Lent, I encourage you to spend time in prayer, not only for our families and friends but also for our surrounding communities, our country, and the world. Take time out of your regular, daily schedule to pray and reflect on God’s grace and love. Spend some time looking at your life and the course of living you are on and God to lead and guide your life more directly and purpose-filled each day.
I hope that these Lenten devotionals will enable you to have a joyous, meaningful, and growth-filled season as your journey moves closer each day to Holy Week and, ultimately, Easter.
Welcome to Lent 2023!
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History of Lent
Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means “spring.” The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians. The First Sunday describes Jesus’ temptation by Satan, and the Sixth Sunday (Passion/Palm Sunday), Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and his subsequent passion and death. Because Sundays are always little Easters, the penitential spirit of Lent is usually tempered with joyful expectation of the Resurrection.
In the name of the Church, you are invited to observe a holy Lent: by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word. AW
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Easter Meditation / Prayer
Easter/Resurrection Sunday April 9, 2023 Easter Meditation / Prayer Gracious God, on this holy Easter day, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving for the gift
The Breath of God
Day 40: Holy Saturday, April 8, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau The Breath of God Scripture: The earth was a formless void and darkness covered the
A Good Friday Prayer
Day 39: Good/Holy Friday, April 7, 2023 A Good Friday Prayer for Meditation We praise and thank you, Lord, for the gift of yourself on
A Maundy Thursday Prayer
Day 38: Maundy/Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023 A Maundy Thursday Prayer for Meditation On this holy day, Maundy Thursday, we reflect on Jesus’ “new commandment”
Holy Wednesday Meditation
Day 37: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Holy Wednesday Meditation Gracious God, you have placed before us a lavish banquet overflowing with life and love. Yet,
Foot Washing
Day 36: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Foot Washing Scripture: Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’
Global
Day 35: Monday, April 3, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Global Scripture: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
A Palm Sunday Prayer for Meditation
Holy WeekPalm Sunday, April 2, 2023A Palm Sunday Prayer for Meditation Dear God,As we begin Holy Week, we reflect on the triumphant entry of Jesus
Pray
But prayer is more than formatted words and petitions. Prayer is not a monologue, and more than a conversation. Prayer is also listening and putting ourselves in the hands of God and listening to God’s voice in the depth of our hearts.
Homelessness
Meet my friend Mickey! We met last weekend. While on my way home from visiting a member, I noticed Mickey pushing her cart on Camp
Companionship
The risen Christ walks beside us, awaiting our invitation to stay with us, break bread with us, interpret life for us, give us hope, and share in our thanksgiving.
Eyes to See
Day 32: Thursday, March 30, 2023 Tom Wiggins Eyes To See Scripture: Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him,
Gray
Day 31: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Gray Scripture: “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.”
Our Help
Day 30: Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Marilyn Mason Our Help Scripture: I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes
Destination?
Week Six Day 29: Monday, March 27, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Destination? Scripture: Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going,
Prayer for the Fifth Sunday in Lent
Scripture: John 11:1-45 Dear God, On this fifth Sunday in Lent, we are grateful for all you have done for us. We come before you
Unity
Day 28: Saturday, March 25, 2023 Stephen Decker Unity Scripture: Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender
Fasting
Day 27: Friday, March 24, 2023 Rev Sela Finau Fasting Scripture: Then I turned to the lord God, to seek an answer by prayer and
Hands and Feet of Christ
Day 26: Thursday, March 23, 2023 Linda Eden Hands and Feet of Christ Scripture: Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Freewill
Day 25: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Freewill Scripture: The human mind plans the way, but the Lord direct the steps. (Proverbs 16:9
A New Path
Day 24: Tuesday, March 21, 2023 Brenda Bearden A New Path Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
Planters
Week Five Day 23: Monday, March 20, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Planters Scripture: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the
Prayer for the Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 19, 2023 Scripture: John 9:1-41 Gracious and merciful God, We come before you with grateful hearts on this fourth Sunday in Lent, knowing you
Repentance
Day 22, Saturday, March 18, 203 Terry Meyer Repentance Scripture: Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the
The Prayer of Saint Patrick
Day 21, Friday, March 17, 2023 The Prayer of Saint Patrick I arise today Through a mighty strength, The invocation of the Trinity, Through a
God Requires
Day 20: Thursday, March 16, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau God Requires Scripture: “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before God on high? Shall I
Suffering
Day 19: Wednesday, March 15, 2023 Collette McFarland Suffering Scripture: For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ
Global Neighbors
Day 18: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Global Neighbor Scripture: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1
God’s Way
Day 17: Monday, March 13, 2023 Tom Wiggins God’s Way Scripture: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it
Prayer for the Third Sunday in Lent
3.12.23 Scripture: John 4:1-42 Gracious God, as we journey through this Lenten season, we ask for your guidance and strength to help us confront our
Love Your Neighbor
Day 16: Saturday, March 11, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Love Your Neighbor Scripture: You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of
“There’s Something About That Name”
Day 15: Friday, March 10, 2023 Linda Eden “There’s something about that name” Scripture: But whom say ye that I am? …Simon Peter answered Thou
Forgiveness
Day 14: Thursday, March 9, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Forgiveness Scripture: Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against
A New Path
Day 13: Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Brenda Bearden A New Path Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
Rules
Day 12: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Rules Scripture: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of
Rejoice
Week Three Day 11: Monday, March 6, 2023 Becky Huckabee Rejoice Scripture: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness
Second Sunday in Lent Prayer
Second Sunday in LentScripture: John 3:1-17 Dear God,As we journey in the season of Lent, we are reminded of your great love for us. You
Do The Difficult
Day 10: Saturday, March 4, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Do The Difficult Scripture: “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good
Asking…
Day 9: Friday, March 3, 2023 Stephen Decker Asking… Scripture: Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock,
Hope
Day 8: Thursday, March 2, 2023 Rev. Sela Finau Hope Scripture: through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and
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