Welcome to DAY 41 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from Mark 15:33-47 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. 42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life. For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen
