Lent daybook, 16: Return
A Lent daybook for these 40 days of prayer. (You can see previous Lent daybook 2017 posts here)
Feminine Wave by Katsushika Hokusai (source)
Song for today: Babylon by Don McLean
Listen to all of the Lent Daybook 2017 songs at this playlist on Spotify: Lent 2017
Reading for today: Psalm 72, Jeremiah 3:6-18, Romans 1:28--2:11, John 5:1-18
“‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the Lord; ‘I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the Lord your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice,’ declares the Lord.
’Return, O faithless children,’ declares the Lord; ‘for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.’”
Prayer for today:
“Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace. Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. ”
Spiritual practice for today:
Slowly re-read today's Gospel passage. Where are you in the story? If you are the invalid, how would you answer Christ's question? Why?
(see all Lent daybook posts from 2016 here)