Dear God, I’m here to worship this morning. There are so many things running around in my head. It’s Sunday morning, so there are a couple of church things running around in my head. Then there’s some work stress. Then there’s family stuff. I’m still mourning the loss of a friend and thinking about her family. But in the midst of all of this, what I need to do is worship you. “Oh, God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. I will seek you in the morning. And I will learn to walk in your ways. And step by step you’ll lead me. And I will follow you all of my days.” (Step by Step by Rich Mullins and Beaker) Lead me this day, Father. Step by step.

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

• AM Psalm: 118
• PM Psalm: 145
• Jeremiah 23:16-32
• John 8:31-9:1
• 1 Corinthians 9:19-27

Psalm 118 – It ends the same way it began. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever” Lots of stuff in the middle, but this is the truth that bookends my life.

Psalm 145 – Lord, let me be someone in this generation who will commend you and your works to the next generation.

Jeremiah 23:16-32 – Oh, please help me not be someone who speaks and teaches things that are against you. Keep me from error and heresy. And give me the courage to speak against heresy when I see it. But please make my words align with your truth. Do not do anything false in me.

John 8:31-9:1 – Such a provocative scene between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. It’s almost hard to read.

1 Corinthians 9:19-27 – Oh, Lord, help me to run this race. Help me to carry your message of reconciliation between us and yourself to everyone around me.

I offer all of these prayers to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen