Lord God, I praise you that you have turned your anger away from me, and you have placed it on your Suffering Servant. Grant me joy this day in knowing that you are my salvation, and you promise comfort. Amen.

To non-Christians, of Jesus' time and our own, our belief in the crucified and risen Jesus is ridiculous.

To the Jews, the cross was the tree of shame and a crucified person was "accursed of God" (Deuteronomy 21:23; Galatians 3:13). To the Greeks, the cross was the punishment for a slave or murderer. Crucifixion was reserved for the lowest of the low. From those perspectives, worshiping one who was crucified was completely idiotic and stupidly superstitious.

Likewise, in today's world of self-help and living on your own terms, putting faith in something other than your own work is naive and ignorant.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that brings to us the person and the words of Jesus. Thank you, Father, that you are always with us no matter what we go through. We pray that you help us live our lives in light of this knowledge. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Father, thank you for revealing your ways to us through the life and death of your beloved Son, Jesus. Send your Spirit to us that we may know your will for our lives and walk in your ways all the days of our life, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Heavenly Father, as we wait for Jesus' return, guide us by the Holy Spirit to share your Word, in love and truth. In your Son's name, we pray. Amen.

Miigwetch (Ojibwe), Pilamaya (Lakota), Ahéheeʼ (Navajo), Thank you, Father, for hearing Jesus’ loud voice before his death as our substitute. Continue to hear his intercessions for us as He sits at your right side. Holy Spirit, touch the hearts of those to whom we communicate your truth of restoration. In the Name of our High Priest, Jesus, Amen.

Adonai Yahweh, thank you for calling me to faith in Jesus who gives me life. Drown the old nature in me daily that a new person would rise to live with you, in innocence and blessedness. Amen.

If we are never tested, how can we realize how strong we are in Christ? We don't seek out suffering, but when it shows up on our doorstep we can see it for what it is - future hope and a chance to put our faith in Jesus.

Dear God, today and throughout this Lent Season, help me to be mindful and thankful for the provision of comfort we receive through Your Son, Jesus. Thank you that You are there to comfort us when life is hard and painful. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dear Father of all people, hear our prayers and bring the broken and lost to you. May they experience your forgiveness and healing power. Do not let the enemy of their souls capture them back into darkness. In the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, Amen.