February 22, 2023 - Ash Wednesday

Marked by Love

“So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” –2 Corinthians 5:20 NRSV Bible

Welcome to the pilgrimage of the Lenten season. This may be your first time to take this journey, or this may be a cherished tradition within your faith story. Either way, we each find ourselves on a new path, even if the story is familiar. Why a new path?... because a year has passed since we last followed Jesus to Jerusalem and his betrayal, crucifixion, death, and resurrection. In that year we have changed, our lives have changed, the world has changed. Thus, the newness may not have been our choice, but here we are… at the beginning of Lent. Take heart, pilgrims, because we are never left alone. During this season, along the Lenten journey, we will walk with each other through worship and through this devotional. The stories of our friends will inspire us, drive us deeper into faithful reflection, draw us closer to one another and to our ever faithful God, who guides us in this holy season. Ah yes, pilgrims, it is Jesus whom we follow throughout Lent. His story, his love, his way, all experienced through the part of his body known as GPUMC. I am grateful to everyone who is giving me this opportunity to share Lent with them and their faith. You will encourage my and everyone’s faith and devotion to Jesus. Thank you for this gift. It is profound, and it is sacred.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, on this first day of Lent, and every day that follows, be our guide. Challenge us and comfort us, as we follow Jesus to Jerusalem. Use these devotionals to open your way to us in new ways. Bless these stories as we read them, reflect upon them, and remember them. Help us to meet Jesus each day, and help us to be signs of Jesus for the world around us. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.

Rev. David Eardley