Lent Devotions from Church Street UMC
Sunday, February 18, 2024
By Rev. Catherine Nance
Teach Me, O Lord
Read: Psalm 25:9
“He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.”
Here we are. First Sunday of Lent. For some of us it may feel like a do-over or a restart. It was just seven weeks ago that we made resolutions and promises and set goals. Things we were going to change. Things we were going to do better. Be better in 2024.
Maybe today, we tell ourselves those same things. Really going to do it this time.
There is nothing wrong with setting goals at the start of a new year. However, using the season of Lent as a second chance calendar for self-improvement is … well, missing the mark. That is what happens when we start with ourselves. What do I need to improve? What do I want to change? Instead of starting with Self, the Psalmist begins with God. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust. Make me to know your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth. The emphasis and focus is on God. Not me. I am still the recipient of grace and teaching and truth, but it is God’s grace. God’s teaching. God’s grace. God’s goodness.
Before I make a list of things I want to do or give up during Lent, I will make time to pray. What is it that God desires for me this Lenten season?
Prayer
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Amen. (Psalm 25:5)
