²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ ³¹ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”

³² Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. ³³ I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.”

John 1:29-34

Dear God, as I enter into this season of Lent, the word that keeps popping up for me over the last few days (even before Lent started) is “patience.” Going back to the parable of the wheat and the weeds, the farmer encourages patience. Today’s readings from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer also mention patience.

• AM Psalm 37:1-18
• PM Psalm 37:19-42
• Deuteronomy 7:6-11
• John 1:29-34
• Titus 1:1-16

In the commentary about these passages, the author writes, “In the scriptures for today we are reminded that we must be patient with the long, slow, sometimes imperceptible movement of God on our behalf.” (Emphasis added) Several years ago, I had a revelation that I think still holds true: We measure time in days, weeks, and months; while God measures time in years, decades, and centuries. When I get in a hurry then I try to take the power away from you and put it upon myself. I stop listening to you and waiting for you. I start to despair when things don’t move as quickly as I want them to. And then I start to sin.

Father, the “Serenity Prayer” from AA comes to mind right now. Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I will amend that prayer to ask that you will not let me try to change anything without you and your power. Even as we have a staff meeting today to sort some things out, help me to lean into you for wisdom, discernment, insight, and solutions. And, of course, there are the prayer requests that are always on my heart, and for which I can sometimes have very little patience. I give you those situations, and ask that you simply bring healing and wholeness where there is suffering and strife.

A pray all of this in Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit,

Amen