Lent 2023 – Day Twenty – Luke 13 v 22-35
Welcome to our Daily reflections for Lent.
We have provided a number of ways of using these reflections.
- You can listen to it in podcast style by clicking on the first audio file. (approx 18 minutes);
- You can listen to the reflection and the prayers with a shortened length for personal prayer (approx 6 minutes);
- You can read your own version of the Bible and then listen to the reflection, play the hymn in the embedded YouTube clip and then listen to the prayer section;
- You can choose to just read through it and ignore the audio files; or
- any combination of the above.
However you choose to use them we hope you will find them helpful and thought provoking.
Full Audio of today’s reflection including Bible reading (Approx. 15 minutes).
Audio of Reflection and shortened prayers (approx 6 mins).
Read Luke Chapter 13 verses 22-35. In your own preferred version. The audio uses the NIV.
“I must keep going , today , tomorrow and the next day.”
There are often challenges placed before us. Sometimes it does indeed feel like we are being challenged to enter a very narrow door. Our passage today brings out the urgency of entering by that door.
Jesus in the face of opposition and threats to his life, expresses the need to continue to speak out and follow the path of his ministry. Some commentators see these words as an indication, by Jesus, of the short time he would have for his earthly ministry.
As well as that I have interpreted this as the fact that we are all called by God, to be persistent and today, tomorrow and the next day carry out our own ministry as his disciples.
To do that we need to grow and deepen our understanding of the scriptures, to grow and develop our prayer life as individuals and together as a fellowship. We need to use this knowledge and the gifts God has given us to enable others to also discover their relationship with God and to produce an environment where they too can grown and deepen their understanding. So that the narrow door may be available and open to them.
When we feel it is all too hard or that we really need a break, which lets face it we all do from time to time. Let us remember today, tomorrow and the next day. Of course we may be more active and productive on some days rather than others but everyday we should seek to find those God moments both for ourselves and those which we can share with others to the glory of God.
Hymn: Singing the Faith – 520 “Give to me Lord a thankful heart”
Contemplation Words
“I must keep going , today , tomorrow and the next day.”
Let us pray together.
Contemplative Prayer
Think of the words in order to understand context and meaning, Feel the meaning of the words with and in your heart, Pray, using the words, for yourself or others. With only a name and without explaining the reasons or pre-defining any answers. Listen for God’s voice in the quiet of your prayers. Pray using your own prayers or one of those which have been prepared below.
Twitter Prayer
Lord, help us to always be ready and eager to speak of you and our experiences of your love touching our lives. Amen
Full Prayer
Father, we sense the need for urgency to enter by the narrow door. You encourage us to make the decision to enter. Calling each of us, in your power, to draw not only ourselves but all men and women to you and to know your gift of salvation.
Lord, sometimes we are guilty of thinking there will be time to do these things when it suits us and when we have nothing better to do. Forgive us for that complacency and lack of urgency. Re-kindle in us the zeal we may have lost the passion that may have dwindled away in us. So that we will always be ready and eager to speak of you and our own experiences of your love touching our lives.
Lord, you call us to persevere, each and every day, in bringing your good news to the world around us. In every moment, even when we are worn out and frazzled, let us speak of your love for all. May your Holy Spirit take our words and actions and through them bring your word to those we meet in a vibrant, compelling way, Amen
Copyright Notices
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Hymns
Hymn words where displayed are in the Public Domain. Hymn organ recordings where used are from Small Church Music. Copyright notice: Rev. Clyde McLennan, performer in this collection, has assigned his performer rights in this collection to Hymnary.org. Non-commercial use of these recordings is permitted. Other hymns are from YouTube and covered by YouTube copyright processes.
Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Images
Images where used are from pixabay.com and free for commercial use no attribution required.
Background Music
The background music in today’s recordings is: Music from Pixabay Relaxing Music Vol.12 – Relaxing Time slightly edited by Chris Hancock as permitted by the Pixabay licence.
Sound Effect from Pixabay Andrew kn – At the edge of space II – Re-mixed and tinkered with by Chris Hancock as permitted by the Pixabay licence.
