Thursday in the First Week of Lent

Lenten Devotional 2019
"I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart!" says Psalm 138. My whole heart. My entire self, which includes the part of me who wants to determine my own version of justice for others, who gets super judgy, who thinks I am better than “the other.” That part of myself keeps me at a distance from other people and from my God. I can be my own worst stumbling block.

Share This Post

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart! — Psalm 138:1

M

y whole heart. My entire self, which includes the part of me who wants to determine my own version of justice for others, who gets super judgy, who thinks I am better than “the other.” That part of myself keeps me at a distance from other people and from my God. I can be my own worst stumbling block. The enemy I fear most is not another person or some evil force out to get me in the world. Most of the time, my worst enemy is the demon I wrestle in my own heart.

The good news is that my whole heart is also infused with God’s steadfast love. God is with us when we wrestle with ourselves. God loves us through the midst of trouble. And God reaches out to us with light when we grapple in the darkness. Give thanks to God whose love for us enables us to praise God in return…with our whole hearts!

More To Explore

Please support the mission and ministry of this community!
News

Please support the mission and ministry of this community!

For 200 years the Church of the Ascension has served our community with inspiring worship, spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and world-class music. In this celebratory Bicentennial Year, please join us in supporting Ascension with your annual pledge that will help us plan for tomorrow and perpetuate this beautiful gift for current and future generations.

Read More →
Parish News: October 11
Newsletter

Parish News: October 11

In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects on Paul’s call to rejoice in God and think on what is true, honorable, and just—a spiritual discipline that counters our negativity bias. And as Dr. Clay Williams begins a three-part Sunday Forum series on “Being Human in an Age of AI,” the rector invites us to practice joy by noticing wonders of human care and grace.

Read More →