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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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
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