Daily Prayer in Lent - Tuesday, Week One

Word for the Season

Even now, says the LORD,

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

Word for the Day

Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
So shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
It shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.
(see today's readings for Isaiah 55)

Reflection

My heart's vocabulary is one I know well...
Words of disappointment and resentment,
fear and sadness pout their presence,
lub-dub, lub-dub, they throb and beat...
It's often a tired speech that my heart makes
and even I who rehearse and speak it
long for new words...

Prayer
What words will you plant in my heart this Lent, Lord?
With what words will you water my heart this spring
and what will you bring to bloom
to nourish my soul?
Teach me to cherish and nourish
your word whispering truth within me...
Help me to find the words you planted long ago,
words I did not tend and bring to flower,
and let them blossom even now...
Let every word you've spoken in my heart
ring and echo sweetly until I hear and consume
the word you have given for my heart's bread...
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