Lent 2014
March 10, 2014

 Read: Psalm 32 

Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you;
  at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me; you preserve me from trouble;
   you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. 

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
   I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
   whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you. – Psalm 32:6-9 

Gloomy statistics and stories of children living in abject poverty can be overwhelming. If we truly want to make a difference in the lives of children failing in school, our scriptures today tell us that we must turn to our source of power, God, for guidance and strength. 

Besides Psalm 32, one of the other lectionary readings for today is Kings 19:1-8 that tells of Jezebel’s outrage at Elijah for killing all of the prophets loyal to her. Elijah realized that he was in real danger and fled from her to the wilderness. In the depths of despair he prepared to die but an angel came and ministered to him nourishing him with bread and water.  

With God’s call to make a positive difference in the education of children, also comes the commitment of God’s being an active participant in the process. When we pray, God promises to instruct us and counsel us and to always keep an eye on us. It does, however, mean that we might need to give up some of our favorite ideas. Learn new ways of being and doing.  

The third scripture for today is from Hebrews 2 that concludes with verse 18 talking about Jesus Christ: Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. We can take great solace in that commitment. 

Prayer: Holy One, guide us as we pray, teach us your way, and nurture us in your service. Amen

The identities of students, families, or staff in stories that are shared in the devotions have been altered to protect their privacy. Any similarities between these stories and the experience of others are coincidental. No stories about students, families of students, or staff from Putnam Heights Elementary School are included in any of these devotions.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.