This week we focus on the story of how Martha and Mary ministered to Jesus prior to his crucifixion.  In hearing the story, we learn about the power of love, the significance of our actions and what it means to have a relationship of grace.

Lent is traditionally a time of “letting go”.  Sometimes those actions have been trivialized by setting aside habits or foods that are peripheral to our lives.  The actions of Mary and Martha, and the prophetic hope of “new things”, call us to a deeper spirituality and solidarity with others.  We often speak of grace as what God extends to us.  But gracious actions form the ministry of these women to Jesus.  Mary in particular acts outside of traditional ways for the sake of embodying grace that is timely and relational.  What are the transformative possibilities of such gracious ministries in our lives and communities?  How might such ministries reach out to the marginalized?

Personal Reflection:

“Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair” (John 12:3).

In times of difficulty, it can be jarring when we notice extravagance.  When resources are precious, it can seem wasteful to toss them about.  Yet today’s gospel reading is about exactly that.  Mary offers up extremely costly perfume to anoint Jesus’ feet as a gracious act of thanksgiving, and Jesus affirms her act.  Yet the actual cost is undoubtedly secondary to the fact that Mary, through this generosity, is recognizing Jesus as one worthy of all our thanks and praise, no matter the cost.

What has God done for you, that might lead you to offer up all you have in thanksgiving?  This week, volunteer at or give generously to a gracious ministry in your church or community that reaches out to the marginalized.

Reading for the 5th Sunday of Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21                                               Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4-14                                          John 12:1-8

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of the Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Servia & Slovenia

Prayer for the week
God of surprising grace, embolden us in ministries that convey care and connection, whether such ministry engages us in action of long-standing tradition or risk-taking newness, for in gracious ministry with those around us –like Mary, like Martha –we minister to you.  Amen.

Reading for 4th Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9-12                                                  Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21                                     Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of Czech Republic, Poland & Slovakia

Prayer for the week
God, just as it can be our habit to break, to unbind, to distance ourselves from those we love and from those who need us, so it is your habit and your way to draw us back together and to you, and to enfold us in your everlasting arms.

“There was a man who had two sons…” Many know, immediately, the story that will follow, and those who know the story may have already identified with one of the characters. This week, listen to the story from the perspective of one of the characters – either one who is included in the story or one who was likely there but whose story has not been told. Mike Riddell in The Prodigal Project uses the story to talk about new ways we might be church for those who are moving or have moved away from the traditional, institutional church. It may be painful but useful to reflect on church communities divided over disagreement over theology, biblical interpretation, church doctrine, or who does the flowers. The story can be reflected on from the perspective of the church and the way churches react when there are disagreements or people move away and then want to return. How welcoming are we when folk have fallen out with the church community and need to find a way back? How might you facilitate a spiritual homecoming for those who will come to worship this day?

Personal Reflection:

Sometimes we can find ourselves lost and alone, feeling cut off from God’s love and from the goodness of life. Like the so-called prodigal son, we may think that we can go crawling back, begging God’s forgiveness, and hoping against hope that God might at least allow us a little something. What a joyous surprise, then, that God – like the parent in the parable – runs to greet us and surrounds us with an embrace of love and compassion. Take a moment simply to revel in the greatness of God’s love for you, and for all people.

• Name examples of God’s love for you and your faith community that have helped you during difficult times.
• This week, how can you be an agent of welcome or reconciliation and share God’s radical welcome with others?
• This Sunday during worship, greet a visitor to your church or someone you don’t regularly talk with.

Reading for 3rd Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 55:1-9                                                   Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13                                     Luke 13:1-9

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

Prayer for the week
God of table and God of open door, thank you for your invitation.  You feed the deep places in our spirits and speak the words that evoke turning for the good.  Send your Spirit to guide us in turning toward and trusting in you.  Amen.

Humans are made to be in relationship with God. We are spiritual beings. Some might scoff at the notion and deny their experiences, and some don’t seem to care one way or the other. Some hope for and welcome experiences with God, and some, usually referred to as mystics, seem to be especially attuned to the divine. Responding to God’s invitation in Isaiah 55:1–9 to listen, come, see, seek, forsake, and return, we encounter a God who holds us in kindness and gives us fresh water of understanding and comfort. Lent is a journey that is grounded in the reality of human life. It also speaks of a more personal relationship with God and trust in that relationship. God invites us to experience God’s goodness and enduring love as we continue in Lent. In what ways might people be inspired to feed a relationship with God? How might you and your church stop, look, and listen for God’s goodness?

Personal Reflection:

Sometimes, we invest too much of our energy and money in things that don’t last, like material objects. Sometimes, we worry we will be excluded from the community because we don’t have the money or the talents of others. But the prophet Isaiah has a message for the people: God loves all. The prophet encourages us to seek after God and God’s ways above all. God gives something to all who seek – steadfast love.

• Where in your daily life do you hear the invitation to return to God?
• This week, where might you go to experience spiritual renewal for a few moments?

Part of our growing is sharing God’s generosity and love with others.

• With whom could you share God’s bountiful life this week?

Reading for the Second Sunday of Lent
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18                                  Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1                                       Luke 13:31-35

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden

Prayer for the week
Covenant God, may we trust in you when the evidence says don’t.  May we follow you when the world says not to.  May we live with the impossible when everything else says we can’t.  May we hear the promise in our souls and live it in our world.  Amen.

As you prepare, keep in mind the situations facing those within your community.  Illness, discrimination, economic hardship, and other life challenges might cause some to struggle with the notion of God’s promise.  The promise of Abram might also raise questions: How do we respond when fulfillment of a promise means difficulty for others?  How do we read this scripture passage in the context of land issues, such as displace persons, development of agricultural land, and issues between immigrant peoples?

In the focus passage today, ritual “seals” the covenant.  Rituals begin journeys and keep us on the journey.  What rituals keep us individually and as a church on the journey of faith?  What specific rituals mark your personal or communal Lenten journey?  How do these rituals reinforce the promise of God’s hope along your journey?

Personal Reflection:

“[God said], ‘Look toward heaven and count the stars…So shall your descendants be’” (Genesis15:5).

Somethings in life seem well beyond our grasp.  We want…and yet we fear we can never have or achieve.  Yet God promises amazing things, the seemingly impossible.  Abram and Sarai were well in years when God promised them more descendants than the stars in the sky.  Think of where you are in your life.

• Was there a time when you didn’t think you could be where you are now?
• This week, take a moment each day to pause and give thanks for the achievements and relationships that fill the life you have now.
• What do you think God has in store for your future?

Many come to the Season of Lent prepared to journey into the depths of spiritual life, including anxieties, doubts, struggles, and feelings of alienation.  Our journeys with God are often encouraged by remembering – like the people of Israel – moments of survival and gifts of “milk and honey” in the past.  Rituals are helpful in remembering what is important.  Corporate worship, learning, and serving together are occasions to be reminded of what takes priority in our lives.  In what ways do you, individually and as the church, practice gratitude?

We also struggle with the notion of taking and possessing land and the misuse of its rich resources.  As Lent begins, we are reminded and encouraged to ravel lightly in and on the land, being mindful of those who live amongst us and with whom we share Earth’s resources.  We are called to be in solidarity with marginalized communities who continue to struggle with injustice, equity, and exploitation.  What might happen in the life of your congregation to practice and reinforce these ideas of conservation, solidarity, and caring for creation?

Personal Reflection:

Sometimes as we go about our daily living, we can forget how we got to where we are.  Most especially, we can forget that God has travelled with us from the beginning and is always present with us.  In Deuteronomy, we read that the people are asked to bring the first fruits of the harvest to say “thanks” for all God has done.  This also helps them remember that God is with them always.  God asks that we share with others form the best we have, not from what is left over.

• Light a candle and think about how God has blessed you.  What stories about God and God’s love will you remember and pass on?
• This week, get out the family photograph albums or scroll through phots on your phone and share family stories, starting with, “Remember when…” give thanks for God’s loving presence through the years.

Reading for the First Sunday of Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11                                    Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8-13                                             Luke 4:1-13

Ecumenical Prayer Calendar
The peoples of the United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales; and Ireland

Prayer for the week
Travelling God, as we leave what is familiar and find ourselves moving through a wilderness land, may we gather as a community of trust.  May we set out holding to your call, to your longing and your love, which will bring us through.  Amen.