MondayJOHN 3:14-21Today, on a small piece of paper, write, “God loves the world.” Put the note in your pocket or where you can see it throughout the day. How does that reminder color how you see your world?

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:God of light and life, mercy and salvation, you love the world, all the world, even those in it who prefer darkness over light and evil over good. Grant us the vision to see the world a little more like you do. Help us to seek not to condemn, but instead to point others toward the light of Christ. Amen.

Tuesday ISAIAH 2:1-5 Today pray about a situation where you need to “flip the script.” Where do you need to beat your sword into a plowshare, turn anger into acceptance, retribution into compassion, guilt into forgiveness?

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord. Illumine our path so that each step we take is in the direction of peace. Teach us your ways so that others will see your wisdom through us and together we can go to your mountain to praise your name. Amen.

LENTEN DEVOTION – WEEK 4 | MARCH 11-17, 2018BY JILL DUFFIELD, PRESBYTERIAN OUTLOOK EDITOR

DAILY PRAYERS AND PRACTICES

Come to the light

The people loved darkness more than light because their deeds were evil. The writer of John’s Gospel proclaims an uncomfortable truth: Just because the light comes into the world does not mean the world will run toward that revealing, revelatory warmth. Many of us have experiences, thoughts or actions we would rather keep hidden and unseen in darkness. Perhaps we would not go so far as to call them “evil deeds,” but neither do we want them exposed and made public. We have all seen those posts that go viral: the worse the behavior, the greater the sharing and shaming. Yet, John’s Gospel also says this: “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

We don’t have to scurry like cockroaches when the light of Christ comes into the world. On the contrary, we should be drawn to it like moths to a flame. The light of the world comes to heal, not hurt. It comes to love, not condemn. We no longer need to hide. Jesus knows all there is to know about us, and like the woman at the well or the thief on the cross, he calls and loves us anyway. The great gift of this season of penitence is the forgiveness, grace and mercy Christ grants in response to our honest confession and desire to repent. Yes, Jesus’ light reveals our evil deeds, but God’s love that comes with that light also frees us from the guilt, control and despair that have too long burdened us.

WednesdayROMANS 13:11-14 Today imagine having a conversation with Jesus. If Jesus were to come to your house today, how would you want to spend that time? Write down some of what you imagined so that you can revisit it later if you choose.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:Too often, Lord God, we walk through life half-asleep, oblivious to your near presence. Wake us up this day so that we can feel your closeness, seek your guidance and better do your will. Amen.

ThursdayEPHESIANS 5:8-14 Today, think about the “you once were” and the “but now” of this passage. What visible difference is there in your life because of your faith in Jesus Christ? Make a list of what you once were and write beside it the “but now” you are living or hope to live through Christ.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:Persistent God, you meet us as we are but refuse to leave us as you find us. You are the God of transformation, always doing a new, good thing. Take what we once were and make of us a new “but now” creation, so that our faith in Jesus Christ is tangible, unmistakable and beautiful. Amen.

FridayJOHN 12:35-36 Today, consider where you have been and where you might be going. As you reflect on your life, where do you see God’s providence now (even if you didn’t see it at the time)? Trust that God’s providence is at work now, even if you don’t yet perceive it.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:When we are afraid, stumbling in the dark, give us a glimmer of your light, Lord Christ. We don’t ask for flood lamps or road signs, only enough illumination to take the next step, trusting you are one step ahead of us and will never leave us alone in the darkness. Amen.

SaturdayMATTHEW 5:14-16 Today let your light shine before others. Do not be afraid to be passionate about what you do or believe. Be brave in doing good works and notice how others respond.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:We struggle with being the light of the world, God. How can our gifts, good works and faithfulness make a difference when creation is awash with suffering? What if what we do and say is misunderstood or belittled? Hiding is safer. And yet you call us to boldness and belief. Make us brave to let our light shine so that you may be glorified. Amen.

For additional resources, go to pres-outlook.org.

Come to the light