A PERSONAL PRAYER
O God,
I am hungry right now. It is early morning, and I haven’t eaten. That hunger is a constant gnawing as I write. It keeps turning my mind away from my writing, my praying, and I have to work so much harder to stay focused. I am indeed a physical being, and I can’t deny that. But I am a spiritual being, too, and I want very much to live by the Spirit. Paul writes to the Romans “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5) God, I am too weak to keep my mind on something other than the gnawing in my stomach. I need your help, O God.
I confess, O God, that sometimes I don’t have the kind of spiritual hunger that drives me to reach out to you. I become satisfied, complacent, willing to settle for a less than passionate relationship with you. Forgive me, God. I want to join with the psalmist to say
As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2)
I repeat again, “as much as I hunger for food, let me also hunger for the Holy Spirit.” Awaken in me a hunger for you that is as strong as my hunger for bread. Amen.
KEY VERSE FOR THE WEEK
Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” -Luke 4:4 Read the whole passage for this Sunday’s message here: Luke 4:1-13
QUESTIONS FOR CONVERSATION
Do you feel spiritually hungry, or do you feel spiritually satisfied? What actions, negative or positive, has hunger of any sort led you to take in the past?
SOME THOUGHTS TO SHARE
This week, we continue our sermon series “In The Wilderness.” We are looking together at the wilderness times of life, and learning how we must embrace them rather than avoid them. This week, we look at how hunger, both physical and spiritual, works, and can be dangerous as well as constructive. On this first Sunday of Lent, we will also share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion in all of our worship services.
Have you ever thought about fasting? Lent is often a season in which Christians fast in various ways. I have shared some thoughts about why we fast and how to fast here.
Voces8 is a marvelous British music ensemble, who we are privileged to have with us in worship this Sunday, March 5. They will also be in concert with our choir on Sunday evening at 6:00 in the Sanctuary. I hope you will join us.
Our Scripture+Shared Bible study for next week, March 5-11, is on healings in the gospels, and we will look more closely at the story of Blind Bartimaeus. It is never too late to join us. Get a Bible Buddy and join in here.
PRAYER CALENDAR
Sunday, March 5
Dear God, Thank you for your constant presence. Help me to be more and more aware of you working in, around, and through me. Amen.
-Prayer by Emily Wick
Monday, March 6
Dear God, My prayers tend to be repetitive. But they are so important to me! Please watch over my children. I pray for their health and happiness and that they live as your children. Be with our four aging parents. Help them remember you despite their daily challenges. And God bless my greatest earthly gift, my husband. Amen.
-Prayer by Debbie Hale
Tuesday, March 7
Dear Lord, Help me to embrace all you have given me. Whether I see your entire path laid out before me or just one step, give me the confidence to step in the direction towards you. Thank you Lord for all that you have blessed me with. Amen.
-Prayer by Rachel Fisher
Wednesday, March 8
Dear God, please make me an effective person so I can make this world a better place in your Holy name Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, March 9
Lord, I pray that you lead E and me down a righteous road and that you lay a solid foundation for me to be a wonderful provider. Amen.
-Prayer by Alex
Friday, March 10
Heavenly Father, bless you for your continued guidance in your light. To truly understand what a blessed life we have when we see all things through your eyes. Bless this beautiful universe you have created for us. Amen.
-Prayer by Rick
Saturday, March 11
Dear Lord, Help me to know that I can let go and allow you to work deep within me to receive your grace and help me to recognize that I am yours and through you I can be the best version of myself. Amen.
-Prayer by Beth Ann
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