Hope

Gracious God, thanks for showing me that I'm not alone out here. Sometimes I wonder if there are other people like me, and in response you point the way to kindred spirits. It's truly amazing how you bind us together in ways we could never imagine, how you inspire thoughts and actions that somehow seem coordinated but certainly aren't on our end. You probably get tired of the cliché about how you work in mysterious ways. Well, it's true all the same. Thanks.

Sacred Drama

Hey, God, thanks for reminding me last week about what's really important. Thank you for revealing yourself to me in the sacred drama of Holy Week. It's such a comfort for me to feel your presence in my life. Help me to carry that feeling beyond a week on the calendar. Help me to remain in this drama, this story every day. Amen.

Temptation to Worship Other Gods

Merciful God,

Satan tempted Jesus in his lowliness, promising him all the kingdoms of the world “if you will fall down and worship me.” But Jesus resisted, saying “it is written, worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” O God, there have been times when I have worshipped other things than you in my blindness and despair; forgive me, and remind me that you are the Lord, my God.

Amen

Temptation of Pride

Merciful God,

Satan tempted Jesus' pride, taking him to the top of the holy city and challenging, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down" and the angels will catch you and lift you up. But Jesus resisted, saying, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." Help me to not fall under the temptation of pride, where I think myself more important than I am. Forgive me when I become too boastful or arrogant and remind me of your greatness and love.

Amen

The Temptation of Hunger

Merciful God,

Satan tempted Jesus in his hunger, taunting, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus resisted, saying, “It is written that one does not live by bread alone, but by the word that comes from the mouth of God.” Sustain in this life, not only with bread, but with your Word, O God. Help me never to forget that I need both physical and spiritual food, each day, and feed me.

Amen

Facing Temptation

Merciful God,

When Jesus was in the wilderness for forty days, he was approached by Satan, who tempted him. In my life, there have been many times when I have faced temptation. Sometimes I have been strong, following Jesus’ example. But there have been times when I have fallen short. Forgive me for these shortcomings, and strengthen me in the face of temptation from this time forward.

Amen

Into the Wild

Almighty God,

After Jesus was baptized, he went into seclusion in the wilderness for forty days. In the midst of my loneliness and my separation, O God, be with me in the wilderness of my life. Make sure that I do not try to fill emptiness with the wrong things, but instead am purified through my lonesome journey. Remind me of your presence at all times, especially when I feel alone.

Amen

Remembering Jesus' Baptism

Loving God,

I remember that Jesus, as he began his public ministry, sought out John the Baptist to be baptized. John was reluctant, saying that he should be baptized by Jesus instead, but Jesus insisted that his baptism would show all righteousness. May his baptism be an example to me, O Lord. Even though I am imperfect, lead me to the waters of your forgiveness and your cleansing.

Amen

Contrition

Merciful God,

During this Lenten Season I remember that I have sinned against you, O Lord. I have done things that I should not have done, and I have not done things I ought to have done. I have sided with oppression in times when I should have sided with the oppressed; I have succumbed to hatred when I was meant to live with love. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and restore a right spirit within me.

Amen