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Lenten Devotional

February 7, 2023 By Jean Wise 11 Comments

Lent

Lent, one of my favorite listening to God seasons, begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb 22.

Lent is the season before Easter lasting 40 days, not counting Sundays. It is a time to reflect and remember our relationship with God. This time presents an opportunity for us to focus and draw closer to our Lord.

One Lenten practice is to read a particular book/devotional during the season. There are many great ones available, even one written by me a few years ago.  40 Voices – A Lenten Devotional captures the words and settings surrounding Jesus the final week of his human life. We hear  the stories with new insights for us today and showing us the transformational power of the cross.  

Each devotion ends with an image, a question, and a prayer.

Here is an excerpt from one chapter:

“Hosanna!

Not the most common word in our everyday language. I have said it during church services and sung it in hymns. I’ve read it in the Bible and heard it proclaimed on Easter morning. I assumed saying Hosanna praised the Lord and declared his glory. But I was wrong.

Hosanna differs unexpectantly in its meaning. This word originates from Psalm 118, verse 25 and is a cry to God for help. Hosanna expresses intense emotion imploring God to save us and save us now.

When the people waved their palm leaves and laid their coats on the path before Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem, they were asking him to save them. “O Son of David, save us.” Their shouts were cries for hope Jesus would free them from the tyranny of the Romans.

The Jewish people waited for centuries for the Messiah to rescue them and perhaps this man called Jesus was just the person to do the task they wanted.

They only saw their immediate need, while God has a much bigger plan in motion.

When I am stuck in the deep hole of discouragement and disappointment, I never imagine yelling, “Hosanna.” My prayers for protection from fear and failure never voice this word either. When hurt drags you down and you feel lost and scared, is your response hosanna?

To me hosanna means praise. The word reminds me to keep my eyes on Jesus, my hope, anchor, and savior. I call out to the Provider, not to my problem.

Now that I know the meaning of this word, saying hosanna becomes an appropriate response to any difficult time and dark place. Hosanna gives hope, joy, and help.

We are like those people lining the road on that Palm Sunday so many years ago. We cry for Jesus’ help for our immediate need, failing to see God’s bigger plan. Praise God in these times.

Hosanna!”

Lent is a time of transformation. Letting go. Drawing closer to God. It is a time for becoming intentional in our faith practices and a time of preparation, as we get ready to meet the Risen Christ.

May this season of Lent drench you with blessings as you remember you are a loved child of God.

May this season of Lent stretch you out of your comfort zone and wake you up from your complacency.

May this season of Lent seal your brokenness with God’s healing and tender love.

And may this season of Lent open new worlds for you to explore and find God waiting for you.

How will you experience God during Lent?

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Filed Under: Seasonal, spiritual lessons

Comments

  1. Kathie says

    February 13, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    I would like 40 voices to read over Lent. Thank you.

    Reply
    • blankJean Wise says

      February 13, 2023 at 3:56 pm

      Thanks for your interest, Kathie. Its available on Amazon. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/3YoE7MO

      Reply
  2. blankLisa notes says

    February 9, 2023 at 7:40 pm

    I haven’t made any plans yet for Lent this year. Last year I read through Kate Bowler’s Lenten Devotional. This year I just finished her latest book that has a Lenten plan in it, so maybe this is my nudge to follow through with her again. Thanks, Jean!

    Reply
    • blankJean Wise says

      February 10, 2023 at 2:41 pm

      I love how Kate Bowler writes. I need to get her newest book!

      Reply
  3. blankNancy Ruegg says

    February 7, 2023 at 4:37 pm

    I too will ponder my way through your insightful devotional book, 40 Voices. I’ve already highlighted a number of passages; Post-It notes litter some of the pages. I wonder what God will draw to my attention this year?!

    Reply
    • blankJean Wise says

      February 10, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      Thank you Nancy. I love how you highlight and post it note books!

      Reply
  4. blankMartha J Orlando says

    February 7, 2023 at 3:45 pm

    I’m going to be re-reading this, Jean; it’s become a Lenten tradition for me.
    Blessings!

    Reply
    • blankDenise Maryott says

      February 9, 2023 at 1:50 pm

      I will be reading this book again this year and I am excited to see what GOD will impress upon my heart this season.

      Reply
    • blankJean Wise says

      February 10, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      ahh, thank you Martha!!

      Reply
  5. blankPat Forsman says

    February 7, 2023 at 11:44 am

    beautiful jean!!!…thank you!!!!…had no clue abt the meaning of the word..hosanna…just thought it was some kind of praise to God…that will now become a frequently used word in my vocabulary…

    Reply
    • blankJean Wise says

      February 10, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      So glad my sharing opened something new up for you, Pat!

      Reply

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