This year, the things that grow fastest and best in the gardens I’m tending are the weeds. If God’s justice takes time and requires patience, how do I manage my impatience? We ask in the Lord’s Prayer for God’s reign to come. Luther noted that meant that God’s reign, which will surely arrive without our praying for it, will come also among us. What are the signs of God’s reign? Which do you see most clearly? Which are dim for you?

With all the rain we have had this year, lots of things are growing. In the parable of the sower, Jesus has hopes that grain will have a miraculous yield. If we were to apply the image of a garden or field to our own lives, what would that look like? What items in your life are growing the best? Which of those items give you delight and which give you pause?

Romans chapter 7 describes a plight of the human condition, namely that even when we know what is right, we do not do it. Lord, allow me to be rescued by you from this conundrum. Jesus declares in Matthew, chapter 11 that he will share our burdens and give me rest for my soul. Teach me to rest in you, O Lord.

Who knew that being welcoming could produce such radical changes in ourselves and others? Lord, help me to widen the scope of my instinct toward and practice of hospitality to include those whom you would have me pay attention to.

In Matthew chapter 10, verse 39, Jesus claims that those who lose life for Jesus' sake will find life. The times in life when I lose myself are those times when I am so absorbed in the needs of others or engrossed in the tales of someone else, so…I guess I find that to be true. Lord, teach me how to be more attentive to others.

How do we respond to strangers who appear at our door, offering us good news? So we treat them as we would want to be treated? Then, what does it mean, for the kingdom of God to come near, as it says in Matthew chapter 10, verse 7? What characteristics distinguish the kingdom of God in our midst, so that we would better recognize it?

The Gospel impels us to preach, teach, and reach others in the name of Jesus. How might we best do this in our lives today? What helps you to be most receptive to good news?

The Holy Spirit is a marvel of God’s grace and attention to the deep needs of human beings. Spending a good deal of our lives trying to be god, God counters by sending us Jesus, to be human in a way that both exemplifies and transcends humanity. Most wondrously, the Holy Spirit is a corporate gift, meaning that it is strongest and most adept in community. Lord, help us to be your people, now and forever.

[John 17:1-11] Here in this intercessory prayer, Jesus prays that all believers might be one, as the Creator and Jesus are one. Some think this asks us to be one denomination. I prefer to see it as a recognition that God’s true believers everywhere throughout the world are connected through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus promises not to abandon or orphan us. What are those things that make us feel most alone? What triggers give us the sense that we are completely or severely cut off? In contradistinction, what aids, people, or habits am I aware of that consistently lead me into a better, more genuine community? 

Jesus asks that we “do not let our hearts be troubled.” How can we more genuinely give our burdens over to God? What traps do I rely on for re-taking these burdens? How might I become more aware of them or avoid them altogether?

Jesus claims that he came “so that [my sheep] might have life, and have it abundantly.” What are the hallmarks of people who live an abundant life? How can we become more faithful at living abundantly?

While most of Jesus' followers were huddled together in fear, a couple travelled away from Jerusalem. Going the same way was a stranger, whom they later recognized to be Jesus. Just as the purpose and focus of Jesus' earthly ministry was to get to Jerusalem in order to die and be raised up, after the resurrection, Jesus' mission and ministry was away from Jerusalem, to the whole world.

While the disciples, fearful, huddled in a locked room, Jesus entered and offered them peace. In what ways has Jesus entered into your locked and lonely places, breathed in needed oxygen, and surprised you with peace?

A few faithful female followers of Jesus went to the tomb early on the first day of the week, in order to properly prepare his body, only to discover that Jesus was already alive again. He is risen. He is risen, indeed. How does the Lord use you to bring this evidence to light in your home and your world?

[John 11:1-45] This passage describes the illness, death, and resuscitation of Jesus' friend Lazarus. My favorite part is when Jesus tells the friends of Lazarus to remove his burial cloths: “Unbind him, and let him go.” What kinds of dead things are hanging on to us, that we could use some help in having them removed?

[John 9:1-41] In order to make sense of life, we often want to identify a tragedy with a particular family’s or an individual’s sin. Sometimes, tragedies and disasters are the result of a broken world, and simply require the healing hand of the Lord.

[John 4:5-42] Everyone knew that Jews did not speak to Samaritans; men did not speak to women. How might Jesus' persistent breaking of conventions influence our dealings with suspicious strangers and our neighbors in need, near and far?

John 3:16 is called the Gospel in a nutshell: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish, but may have eternal life. If you haven’t already, take the time to memorize this verse.

Author Henri Nouwen once noted that in the temptations, Satan tried to trick Jesus into being relevant, popular, and spectacular. Jesus instead chose to demonstrate and share with us the gifts of prayer, community, and humble service. Find ways to use this Lenten time to deepen your walk with the Lord of prayer, community, and service.