Romans 5:1-11
1Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. 3And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.
6For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. 8But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. 9Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. 10For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silence bringing your attention to the Breath.
- As the sun rises, see yourself bathed in grace.
- Bathed in grace, how do you share in the glory of God?
- Bathed in grace, how do you share your suffering?
- Bathed in grace, how do you notice your character?
- Bathed in grace, how do you hold hope?
- Remember a recent time when you were “ungodly.”
- Notice where you hold this “ungodliness” in your body.
- Allow this place in your body to be bathed in grace.
- Allow God to heal you.
- Be freed to receive reconciliation with God.
- As the sun rises, see yourself bathed in grace.
- What is God’s message for you?
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, March 19, 2017, the Third Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings (c) 2017 The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD