About three weeks ago, we discussed prayer (see below post) and multiple people committed to trying to pray 3 times a day throughout Lent. Many have mentioned that they, just like me, have struggled to get into this rhythm of stopping, breathing, and spending time with God. Therefore since we are nearly exactly in the middle of Lent, we decided to recommit ourselves to this effort for the second half of Lent. Why not join us and let us know your thoughts by adding comments below.
(Image courtesy: www.treasureschristianbooks.com)
I thought I would share a few comments that I have shared with others over the last few weeks with the hope that they may be an encouragement to you as you attempt to get into the practice of communing with God. God Bless!
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?' - which means, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' - Matthew 27:46
Jesus was on the cross for 6 hours at this point. He had already been flogged, had nails put through his hands and feet, and has been insulted all throughout. Why would Jesus make this proclamation at this time and be silent through everything else? Have you ever wondered this? Well it is important to note that in Jewish tradition, the Passover lamb was slaughtered at the 9th hour. So you see, Jesus is our Passover lamb. So at the ninth hour he became sin for us and was cut off from God. For the first time (in all time), he couldn’t commune with God and the loneliness and abandonment he felt made him yell out. I think this gives us some appreciation for the blessing we have in being able to commune with God. Jesus was cutoff so we wouldn’t have to be. I know I want to value that.
This hymn is from Claudia Hernaman:
“Lord, who throughout these forty days for us did fast and pray,
Teach us with you to mourn our sins, and close by you to stay.
As You with Satan did contend and did the victory win,
O give us strength in you to fight, in you to conquer sin.
As you bore hunger and your thirst, so teach us, gracious Lord,
To die to self, and chiefly live by your most holy Word.
And through the days of penitence, and through your Passion-tide,
Yes, evermore, in life and death, Jesus! With us abide.
Abide with us, that so, this life of suffering over-past,
An Easter of unending joy we may attain at last!"
