Daily Prayer in Lent - Thursday, Week Two

Word for the Season

Even now, says the LORD,

return to me with your whole heart...
Joel 2:12

Word for the Day

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose hope is the Lord.
They are like trees planted beside the waters
that stretch out their roots to the stream:
They fear not the heat when it comes,
their leaves stay green;
In the year of drought they show no distress,
but still bear fruit...
(see today's readings for Jeremiah 17 )

Reflection

My relationship with God is often
on-again, off-again...
My prayer life varies from intense to tepid...
My soul's strength drains too easily
and fills up too slowly...

I need a stronger connection with God,
a life-line of grace and strength
to sustain me in the hard times,
to nurture me in the good times...

Prayer
I return to you today, Lord,
thirsty for the waters of your grace
coursing through all creation,
running close by my heart...

Let my heart send roots down deep
to draw from your cool, flowing streams,
to water my parched soul
in day's heat and seasons dry...

Help me open my heart
to drink in the refreshment
you offer my soul:
a sip from the cup of your mercy...

Bathe and cleanse me always, Lord,
in the saving waters spilling
from the ocean of your heart...

I trust you, Lord,
and pray you will trust me
to return to you this Lent, day by day,
with my whole heart...
Amen. 2009LentPostCollection

Image: Gwen Meharg

-ConcordPastor