Are you discouraged by all the difficulties around you and in our world today? Are you dealing with deep disappointments or heartbreaking loss? Do you feel like hope is in short supply?
I know I feel it. The older I get, the more I see how this world is broken. If you’re going through a hard time, know this: God sees you in your need and calls you to draw closer to him because he cares for you.
Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The God of hope fills us with joy and peace. How? As we trust Him. Why? So we overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. And that overflowing hope is meant to bubble over and touch those who come into contact with us so they look to God as their own source of hope. Because of Jesus we are forever renewing hope.
How do I learn to trust God more? By spending more time with him and taking steps of faith where he leads me. I decided I wanted to use Lent as an opportunity to draw closer to God and discover abundant hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Although my church doesn’t place much focus on Lent, I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to the idea of a time of focused reflection on Jesus and cultivating practices that help me draw closer to God and thereby better live out my faith and point others to the source of eternal hope.
Lent is a 40-day period starting Ash Wednesday and ending just before Easter Sunday (end date depends on whether you include all the Sundays or treat them as mini Easters). It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before his public ministry began and is typically a time of dedicated prayer, fasting, and giving to those in need.
Most people think of Lent as the time when the fish sandwiches show up at a lot of fast-food places because Catholics give up meat on Fridays during the season. And we also think of it as a time some folks deprive themselves of something they enjoy. It might be sugar or coffee or social media. Last year, I decided to take a break from shopping for clothing, makeup and unnecessary home items, and I wrote about it here. This year my goal is to have several days each week where I don’t watch TV. I’m not going cold turkey, people. I don’t want to miss March Madness and my beloved Jayhawks. But I don’t want TV to be the default activity each and every evening the way it’s been lately, especially since the pandemic began.
The idea is to make more room in my life for the things of God and to use that reminder of the missing thing or activity as a call to focus on Christ.
I also want to add a special dimension to my prayer life for Lent.
I’m on my second round of The Bible Recap, a 365-day plan to read through the Bible with a podcast (or book) by Tara Leigh Cobble. Each day, she gives historical background and context to the reading and asks us to find “our God shot,” which is where we saw God at work in the lines of Scripture. Throughout the Old Testament, she’s showing us places that point to Jesus, often in prophecy or a time when we believe Jesus himself showed up, which is called a Christophany. Tara Leigh recently urged us to watch the Bible Project’s video on the Psalms.
If you’re not familiar with the Bible Project, they do amazing illustrated overviews of every book of the Bible. The Bible Project’s video on Psalms talked about the many chapters in the book that are devoted to the Messianic King. The book largely focuses on two themes: the blessings of meditating on God’s Law and the promise of the coming King, and it is designed to be a prayer book for God’s people. If you’ve not experienced the wonderful work of the Bible Project, here’s the video I’m referencing.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9phNEaPrv8&t=430s
After watching that video, my brain hatched an idea. I’ve prayed verses of the Bible in the past, and as part of my practice for Lent, I could focus on verses from Psalms that point to Jesus.
Because I just thought of this idea on Fat Tuesday, I didn’t have time to write up the whole plan, so I’m starting with ten verses to get me going for the first ten days of Lent. I can use some of the time I would have been watching TV to come up with the other 30. God willing (and me following through), I’ll post several more times over the course of the season.
If your heart is aching right now because you know the things of the world won’t satisfy it, would you join me in giving up something to spend more time with Jesus? And I hope you draw closer to Him through these prayers for Lent.
The Coming Messiah
Day 1
“You have said, ‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant: I will establish your offspring forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” – Psalm 89:3-4
Prayer: God, I thank you for fulfilling your promise to send Jesus, born in the line of David, and establishing Christ’s throne for all generations.
Day 2
“For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever.” – Psalm 18:49-50
Prayer: Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to the nations and showing unfailing love to your chosen ones forever.
Day 3
“For the Lord declares, ‘I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.’” – Psalm 2:6
Prayer: Lord, you who were called “King of the Jews,” we praise you as King over all.
Day 4
“He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’” – Psalm 89:26
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise you as the Son of God and the rock of our salvation.
Day 5
“Then I said, ‘Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures.’” – Psalm 40:7
Prayer: Lord, help us to seek you in the Scriptures.
Day 6
“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” – Psalm 40:8
Prayer: Jesus, as you came to do your Father’s will, may you help us follow your example.
Day 7
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of righteousness.” – Psalm 45:6
Prayer: We praise you, Lord, as our righteous and eternal King.
Day 8
“Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands.” – Psalm 102:25
Prayer: We praise you, Lord, as creator of everything on earth and in the heavens.
Day 9
“I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O Lord. I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.” – Psalm 40:9-10
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for sharing the glad news of your deliverance and your steadfast love and faithfulness with those who would believe.
Day 10
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” – Psalm 110:1
Prayer: Jesus, we praise you as Lord and King over all.
Day 11
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” – Psalm 118:22
Prayer: Lord, we praise you as the cornerstone of our faith.
Day 12
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” – Psalm 107:28-29
Prayer: Lord, we know you can calm the storms in our lives just as you calmed the waves of the sea.
Day 13
“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.” – Psalm 102: 25-27
Prayer: Lord, we praise you as the eternal God. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. Your years have no end.
Day 14
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed.” – Psalm 2:1-2
Prayer: Lord, we acknowledge that no matter what is going on in the world around us, Your good plans will not be thwarted.
Day 15
“I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old.” – Psalm 78:2
Prayer: Lord, just as You spoke in parables to open the spiritual eyes and ears of those seeking You, help us tune our hearts to Your Word and Your work in the world.
Day 16
“O Lord, You are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for Your help.”
– Psalm 86:5
Prayer: “I will call on You whenever I’m in trouble, and You will answer me.” (Psalm 86:7)
Day 17
“For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” – Psalm 69:9
Prayer: Lord, may You work powerfully in Your church throughout this hurting world to show Your grace, mercy and love.
Day 18
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1
Prayer: Lord, remind me to look to you first when I need help.
Day 19
“He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:2
Prayer: Lord, help me remember that even when I don’t know what’s ahead, I’m safe in your care because You are always with me.
Day 20
“You have dealt well with Your servant, O Lord, according to Your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.” – Psalm 119:65-66
Prayer: Lord, You are good and do good. Teach me Your statutes (from Psalm 119: 68)
Day 21
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1
Prayer: Lord, help me draw close to You to find shelter and rest.
Day 22
“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” – Psalm 91:2
Prayer: When fighting battles large or small, help me choose to trust in Your protection and strength.
Day 23
“O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.” – Psalm 139:1-2
Prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” – Psalm 139:23-24
Day 24
“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.” – Psalm 40:4
Prayer: Lord, help me trust in You, look to You for help and hope and follow You instead of the false gods of the world.
Lent Day 25
“In sacrifice and offering You have not delighted, but You have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering You have not required.” – Psalm 40:6
Prayer: Lord, I choose to listen for Your guidance and follow it.
Day 26
“May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who long for Your saving help always say, ‘The Lord is great!’” – Psalm 40:16
Prayer: Lord, I rejoice in You. Great are You, Lord!
Day 27
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
Prayer: Lord, help me seek You first in times of trouble.
Day 28
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:11
Prayer: When my heart is heavy, I turn to You, Lord. Help me choose to praise You in the hard times because You are with me.
Day 29
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” – Psalm 28:7
Prayer: Lord, I thank You, trust You, and praise You because You are my strength and my shield.
Day 30
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
Prayer: Lord, in times of stress and uncertainty, help me be still and know that You are God.
Day 31
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” – Psalm 61:1-2
Prayer: Lord, help me turn to You at the first sign of trouble.
Day 32
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” – Psalm 90:14
Prayer: Lord, help me find contentment in Your unfailing love.
Day 33
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We bless you from the house of the Lord.” – Psalm 118:26
Prayer: Lord, help us praise You in our churches and go out and bless others in Your name.
Day 34
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, my God.” – Psalm 42:1
Prayer: Lord, I bring the longings of my heart to You today because only You bring true contentment.
Lent Day 35
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” – Psalm 16:8
Prayer: Lord, when turmoil surrounds me, help me remember that You hold me tight and that my security is in You.
Day 36
“Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause.” – Psalm 35:19
Prayer: Lord, You were hated, rejected and condemned without cause to redeem us.
Day 37
“I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.” – Psalm 16:7
Prayer: Lord, thank You for your loving guidance. Help me discern Your instructions, especially when I can’t see the way forward.
Day 38
“Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.” – Psalm 41:9
Prayer: Lord, You bore the heartbreak of betrayal by Judas to save us from our sins.
Day 39
“In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” – Psalm 109:4-5
Prayer: Lord, You showed love in the face of hatred. Help me do the same.
Passion Week, Palm Sunday
“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise Him from the skies!” – Psalm 148:1
Prayer: “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!” – Matthew 21:9
Passion Week, Holy Monday
“For I hear the whispering of many – terror on every side! – as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.” – Psalm 31:13
Prayer: Lord, You knew the plot against You, yet You continued to show love to those around You.
Passion Week, Holy Tuesday
“For it is for your sake that I have borne reproach, that dishonor has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my mother’s sons.” – Psalm 69:7-8
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for enduring reproach and so much more for our sakes.
Passion Week, Holy Wednesday
“For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.” – Psalm 69:9
Prayer: Lord, just as You cleansed the temple of the money changers in the days before the cross, cleanse our hearts of anything that draws us away from You.
Passion Week, Maundy Thursday
“In return for my love they accuse me, but I give myself to prayer. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” – Psalm 109:4-5
Prayer: Just as You prayed in the garden, Lord, not my will, but Your will be done in my life today.
Passion Week, Good Friday
“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and goat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” – Psalm 22:14-18
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for making the ultimate sacrifice to save us from our sins.
– Psalm 22:14-18
Easter Sunday
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to the realm of the dead, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” – Psalm 16:9-10
Prayer: Lord, we rejoice in You today with grateful hearts! Help us follow Your path of life, remembering Your great love for us shown in Your death and resurrection. Amen.
However this season finds you, may the God of all hope fill you with hope, my friend!
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