Lent 2023 – Day 31 – Luke 19 v 1-28

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.

Read Luke Chapter 19 verses 1-28. In your own preferred version. The audio uses the NIV.

Link to the Bible Gateway NIV version (Opens in a new tab)

Audio of reflection

“Today salvation has come to this house.”

For reasons which are too convoluted to go into, a good few years ago, I found myself in a conflict zone. Hostilities were in check but tensions still high. One morning, I suggested to my colleague that we might like to go and look at the river. His response was short and to the point – “snipers” – we didn’t go!

Today we have the familiar passage about Zaccheaus. Who opens himself up, not to a sniper but to the grace  of Jesus as he climbs his tree. Although I suspect he in his own mind was climbing to be able to see Jesus pass by but in the process of doing so he became visible to Jesus.

The question which came to me today was are we prepared to climb a tree? Both to enable us to see Jesus and so that Jesus can see us. Whether we are prepared to be plainly visible so that Jesus will be given the opportunity to call us to change. Additionally, once those changes have been asked of us, are we willing to make those changes which we promise to make?

I was recently watching an FA Cup football game on TV. In the car park there was a van parked with a group of fans standing on top of the van watching the game. Whether it was because they could not get tickets or were too mean to buy them we will never know. Whatever the reason they were prepared to be uncomfortable to ensure that they could see the match. Are we prepared to be uncomfortable to be part of Jesus’ mission in the world around us?

We can be sure that Jesus will not let us stand in the car park but will call us into the wonder of his kingdom and service.

Hymn: Singing the Faith –  664 “Lord you call us to your service”

Contemplation Words

“ Today salvation has come to this house.”

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, we give thanks for your grace, love and mercy which makes change in our lives possible for each one of us.. Amen

Full Prayer

Like Zacchaeus, help us, to rush to see Jesus clambering up trees or onto vans into the wonder of his gaze.Help us make ourselves vulnerable, help us to listen to the words Jesus has for us especially his invitation to come into his presence.