Dear God, I have two coworkers who might be delivering babies today. One I know is. The other I’m not sure. We’ve prayed for them. I’ve prayed for them. I lift them up to you now. Be with these babies, their parents, and everyone involved in their lives. And help our work to know how to work around their absence while they are out with their babies for these first several weeks.

Here are today’s passages from Sacred Invitation: Lenten Devotions Inspired by the Book of Common Prayer:

• AM Psalms: 42, 43
• PM Psalms: 85, 86
• Jeremiah 10:11-24
• John 8:21-32
• Romans 5:12-21

Psalms 42, 43 – “Why are you downcast, O my soul? why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” These words were in both of these psalms, and I appreciate them. I woke up this morning a bit troubled. Could be some frustrations from work. Could be frustrations with a family thing. And I wish it was as easy as turning the switch that the Sons of Korah encourage here. I do put my hope in you, but I also mourn and have sorrow. But as I go into this day, help me to remember at each moment for whom I am living. I am living for you, O God.

Psalms 85, 86 – Psalm 85 is a lot about looking to be restored to you like previous generations were restored to you. David wrote Psalm 86, and I think it is refreshing to see him publish his insecurities and frustrations for all to see. Someone was once reading the prayer journals I write here and asked if I was okay. I told them that I really was, and to try writing down their own prayers. They will be amazed at what comes out. It’s actually very therapeutic. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being with me up close and personal in these times, encouraging me and guiding me. Comforting me.

Jeremiah 10:11-24 – A lot of this is about the coming exile for Judah and the collapse of everything. But Jeremiah’s prayer at the end captures my attention: “I know, O LORD, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Correct me, LORD, but only with justice–not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing.” I am truly at your mercy, LORD. I have greatly sinned. In my thoughts and in my words. In what I have done and what I have failed to do. Through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Have mercy on me, O LORD.

John 8:21-32 – Reading this passage, Father, just confirms to me that I would not have had time for Jesus in my life had I been alive and around him at that time. I’m sorry for that. He is a stone that would have made me stumble; a rock that would have made me fall.

Romans 5:12-21 – This just reminds me why I’m here and doing this for Lent. I am feeling my sin. I am feeling the depths of my depravity. But I am also being reminded that this is the reason you came, Jesus. You came, lived, taught, prayed for me, died, and then were resurrected for the depths of my sin.

Father, I have victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. Thank you.

I offer all of myself, including this prayer, to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen