Lent 2024 | Day 19

By Janet Nygren
Day 19 (Wednesday, Mar 6)

As I enter prayer now, I pause to be still; to breathe slowly, to re-center my scattered senses upon the presence of God.¹

Pause and pray.

“When I brought your ancestors out of Egypt and spoke to them, I did not just give them commands about burnt offerings and sacrifices, but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in obedience to all I command you, that it may go well with you. But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts.” (Jeremiah 7:22-24)

Think about it.

We’ve been talking about words and opinions this week, stubbornly sticking to what we think is right. As we alluded to earlier, there’s a deeper issue going on. It’s not uncommon for attitudes between people to be reflected in our attitude toward God as well. As we see in this passage from Jeremiah, that’s exactly what happened with the Israelites. They were so convinced of their own right-ness that they refused to listen to God, even though he had their good in mind.

Consider.

As we consider the path Jesus followed, he always listened to God, even when it caused him to suffer. As humans, we can’t always see the big picture, so we have to trust that God knows what he’s doing, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. In your interactions with other people or with God, is there anything you’re holding onto that you might need to let go of this week?

Pause and pray.

Jesus, help me trust you.

“[Jesus] knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:41-42)

Notes

1. Prayer used daily in Lectio365 found at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/