Third Week of Lent

First Scripture Reading
Hosea 14: 2-10
Gospel Reading
Mark 12: 28-34

Opening Prayer

Despite inspiring words and diligent works, why do we feel empty? Why are we like barren trees gasping for life in a desert? Sometimes I feel so helpless and powerless, no matter how hard I work and powerfully I sacrifice. Teach us to surrender to You, as the Master Gardener. Plant Yourself again within us. Soften and water the soil of our hearts. Embrace us at our roots that we might blossom from the depth of Your heart and in the power of Your life. Your Word, Jesus, planted within and among us, frees us to be wholehearted. Soften the hardness that demands that we work from our own limited resources. InSpirit us to blossom fully and freely from the heart of Jesus. Teach us again, your law of life, Excellent Teacher. I’m sorry that I’ve been such a poor student, trying to get away with the minimum and avoiding the stretching experience of your expansive heart.

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