2019 “Meditations of Our Hearts”
2019 “Meditations of Our Hearts” A Lenten Devotional of the First Presbyterian Church Jacksonville, Illinois “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 Romans 12:1-2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This year, Lent starts quite a bit later than last year, but the winter weather has been harsh and long, so many of us have stayed in a bit longer. If we look at our faith journey as seasons in a year, we must be sure to take time for rest, study and prayer during this "season" in order to be ready for the new life of springtime. I hope in your daily Lenten devotions you can engage in spiritual worship and a renewing of your mind. As this journey unfolds you discern God's will and transformed by Christ's sacrifice. Lent is a forty-day journey beginning on March 6 with Ash Wednesday, ending on Easter, and has its roots in Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. It is a period of reflection, prayer and fasting. We ponder the meaning of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The music during Lent is usually more somber and there are intentionally no “Alleluias” sung.
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