5th. April. 2022. Daily Devotion.
“Whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” — Mark 8:35
In just under two weeks, it will be Good Friday, when we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. He gave up his own life to save us from sin and death.
In the meantime, we are wrapping up the season of Lent, a 40-day period of spiritual reflection. During Lent we focus on the purpose of Jesus’ coming—to pay the price of all our sin by dying in our place, and then to rise again in victory over death so that we can have new life with God forever!
Think of the Saviour who went to Jerusalem to die for us. Jesus was betrayed and handed over to the religious leaders, who condemned him to death. He was mocked, spit on, whipped, and crucified. He died and was buried. Then, on the third day he rose again, victorious over death. And he did all of this for us so that we could be forgiven and receive new, eternal life.
It was a hard path for Jesus, and it may be hard and fearful for us who follow him. This month, imagine being a disciple following Jesus on the road to Jerusalem. What do you think will happen? What will it be like? In following Christ, we may face hardships and even be called upon to suffer in his name, but he promises that it will end well. Douglas MacLeod
Lord Jesus, guide me to trust in you, and give me courage to follow where you lead. Amen
For Perseverance Today
If things get tough today, Lord — and in all hard times — let me stay motivated and calm. Let me look at how far I have come rather than how far I still must go. Let me continue counting my blessings, not what I’ve been missing. May every day bring new chances to grow, beautiful new things to see, new plans to do, and new goals to pursue, as every new day is Your miracle day. Amen.
A Prayer for Civil Unity
Jesus, my Saviour, thank You for my country. I bring before You the many divisions and factions which plague us. I bring to You the divisive politics and civil disputes that keep us fighting each other. I pray for the government; give them the wisdom to lead well and to secure peaceful lives for their citizens. Help them to make the right decisions that promote flourishing. May You bring unity and prosperity to the nations of the world. Lord may this and every country turn to You for its hope. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord,
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days,
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord,
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth,
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams,
O whales and all that move in the waters,
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord,
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild,
and all you flocks and herds,
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord
praise him and highly exalt him for ever. Amen
The Book of Common Prayer, 1979, Episcopal Church, USA
A Prayer in Springtime
God of all glory, when the roar of the traffic recedes
and even our hymns are stilled in our mouths,
then we hear strains of an anthem sung since
you called all things into being;
how birds burst their breasts with gratitude at being alive;
how waves on the shore lap a lullaby at your manger
and spring lambs bleat delight at the empty tomb;
how the wind in the tall pines whispers psalms to the Spirit.
As we begin to sing again, help us not to crave the melody
but to find our place in the harmony of all creation. Amen.