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Lent Devotional Guide - Week Eight


Happy Easter! We hope you've used this Daily Devotional Guide throughout Lent as we examined the ways in which God has provided for us and his people. Please use these resources to reflect on these passages, one a very familiar Psalm and the post-Easter story on the Road to Emmaus. We invite you to join us for Sunday worship at 10 am as we begin a new series and to walk our completed outdoor prayer path this Easter season.


Week Eight

Opening Sentence: As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for you, living God.

Silence

Prayer: Gracious God, we open ourselves to you. You have the words that give life. Speak into our lives and change us deep inside where it matters. Through Jesus Christ the Lord.

Bible Reading: Psalm 23; Luke 24:13-35

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
  he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever. 
(Psalm 23 NIV)


 On the Road to Emmaus

 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.  As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

 “What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;  but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.  In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.  Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.  But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. (Luke 24:13-35 NIV)

Notice what God brings to your attention … Ponder what moves your heart and mind … Respond in prayer as you are moved … Rest quietly in the presence of the Lord.

Free Prayer

Statement of Faith (Celtic Daily Prayer)

Sunday: Lord, you have always given bread for the coming day; And though I am poor, today I believe.

Monday: Lord, you have always given strength for the coming day; And though I am weak, today I believe.

Tuesday: Lord, you have always given peace for the coming day; And though of anxious heart, today I believe.

Wednesday: Lord, you have always kept me safe in trials; And now, tried as I am, today I believe.

Thursday: Lord, you have always marked the road for the coming day; And though it may be hidden, today I believe.

Friday: Lord, you have always lightened this darkness of mine; And though the night is here, today I believe.

Saturday: Lord, you have always spoken when time was ripe; And though You be silent now, today I believe.

Assurance: The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. Amen. (Psalm 145:5)

Categories: Devotions , Lent , Prayers