LentBlog

Holy Saturday

4/3/2021

Mark 16:1-20
Holy Saturday.
It's the (often overlooked) gap between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
The gap between death and resurrection.

The extra attention and special services on either side of the gap naturally make our minds more familiar with Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
But our bodies...our bodies know Holy Saturday...our bodies know the gap... perhaps more intimately even, than any other day of the year.

A Mother’s Sacrifice

4/2/2021

Mark 15:33-47
Whenever I listen to the story of Jesus’ birth, I focus on Mary. How was she feeling (aside from terrified and tired and sore)? Was she thinking about Jesus’ first words, or when he would walk, or what amazing things he would do as an adult? Did she count his fingers and toes (I mean, I know he was God’s Son, but you can never be too careful)? Did she take to heart the praise from the angels, shepherds and wise men? Did she worry about him falling and getting hurt, or having a broken heart?

From Crowd to Mob

4/1/2021

Mark 15:16-32
In Chapter 11, Mark tells the story of Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem for Passover. This was a time of celebration and gatherings, but Jesus did not come to enjoy the festivities, or even the adoration. He came to fulfill his destiny.
And in just 4-1/2 chapters, the crowds of adoration that laid their cloaks and tree branches on the ground and shouted “Hosanna in the highest” was replaced by a crowd disappointed with the one who failed to lead them by overthrowing the powers that be and restoring their lives to the glory days of King David.

Prayers for March 30-31

3/30/2021

Tuesday March 30, 2021
Mark 14:43-65
One of the clearest messages I have gotten from God was when I was driving through Houston on the way to Beaumont after my mom had suffered a serious heart attack. My brother had called me and said, “we need to take her off life support.” I prayed that God would show me a sign. I couldn’t make this decision. Suddenly I felt a wonderful peace flow over me. If you can find peace driving Houston freeways on Friday afternoon, it has to come from God. I never questioned whether we were doing the right thing.
Prayer is simply talking with God. You don’t have to fold your hands or close your eyes, or say special words. Talk over your day with Him, ask Him to give you a sign of what you should do, then wait patiently for His answer. It won’t always come quickly or the way you expected, but He will let you know that He is with you and guiding you.

by Mary Taylor

My Brother Herod

3/29/2021

Mark 14:27-42
In May of 2019, I was blessed with my wife, Merry to take our trip of a lifetime and visit the Holy Land! Throughout the entire experience we felt God’s arm of protection and guidance surrounding us as we traveled the 7,000 plus miles, adjusted to the 8 hour time difference, doing our best to navigate the many religious, cultural and language barriers, met, bonded and toured Israel with 28 until then strangers to finally arrive and spend our last two magnificent days in Jerusalem!

Prayers for March 23-27

3/23/2021

Tuesday March 23, 2021
Mark 12:35-44
Sometimes our life is beautiful, the stars align and the children put themselves to bed, but sometimes it’s not. Sometimes the roomba spreads dog poop all over the house and getting out of bed feels like a success. Sometimes we are so worn down, so empty that the effort as a parent, as a spouse, as a friend, as a co-worker feels unworthy, less than. We pray that we can find the strength to be better. Our spirit feels poor and the only prayers we can muster are “Dear God”. No matter how small our efforts are, they are big, they are beautiful and they are enough to God. You are enough. Your effort is enough. Your prayers are enough.

by Katie Lamoureux

An Enduring Melody

3/22/2021

Mark 12:28-34
Eternal One, thank you for your unending love
To follow You is to love others
To praise You is to serve others
To worship You is to forgive others
Mercy above sacrifice, grace above riches
Hope above fame, love above all else

Prayers for March 16-20

3/16/2021

Tuesday March 16, 2021
Mark 10:32-45
Holy Father we thank you for the stories and the parables that we can't fully understand. The disciples were completely confused by the word that Jesus was telling them, yet they followed him. The disciples loved Jesus so much that they would accept and follow him even though they didn't understand. In this time of uncertainty we are all a little lost and looking for clarity in God’s word. Like the disciples we are all lost and need to listen more closely to the Lord and his words. Jesus was a servant in the respect that he, himself, gave his life for us all. Help us be better servants by helping, listening, and sharing God’s word. Help us to read, listen, and hear the message louder than the worry or loss we might feel. Help us to remember the sacrifice that Jesus’ life has meant to the world. In your son, Jesus name. Amen.

by David Oltmann

Letting Go

3/15/2021

Mark 10:13-31
You don’t need me to tell you that during this COVID-19 pandemic, we have all learned some valuable lessons. It’s now been a full year that I’ve been working from home, picking up my groceries curb-side, and waving “hi” to friends over zoom for baby showers. As I think back to a year ago there are so many emotions that come to mind and I bet you felt them too. I think back to last April when my husband was facing a potential lay-off from his job (as too many others have similarly faced).

Prayers for March 9-13

3/9/2021

Tuesday March 9, 2021
Mark 8:22-33
Dear Heavenly Father, please help us remember you are always with us as we travel through our days, in the good times and the bad. As we move through this Lenten season, help us to remember to take time to use our eyes to look for evidence of you all around the world. Help us to see more of you in the wonders around us so we know we are not alone. Thank you for being with us always to guide us and protect us in all that we do. Amen.

by Matt Greenlee

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