Lent Day 42, Tuesday, March 31, 2026

“Pray Three Times for Five Minutes Each Prayer”

It is probably fair to say that most of us do not pray as much as we could. Some people pray often. Others rarely pray at all. Most of us fall somewhere in between.

Today’s challenge is to pray three times for five minutes each time.

It sounds easy, but it may be more difficult than we expect. This challenge comes early in Holy Week to allow multiple opportunities in the days ahead to try again if today does not go as planned. That may sound a bit pessimistic, but it also reveals something important. Why does it feel difficult to set aside fifteen minutes for prayer?

How will you approach it? Prayer is simply a conversation with God. It can be structured, such as the Lord’s Prayer, the Rosary, or the Prayer of St. Francis. It can also be quiet and personal, a moment of stillness where you speak honestly and listen carefully.

What will you pray about today?  Three times.  Five minutes each time.  Fifteen minutes. About one percent of your day is devoted to God. That is not too much to ask. And who knows? You may discover that once you begin, you do not want to stop.

Your prayers matter. Your prayers are treasured by God.

“Never stop praying.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV)

 Lent Day 41, Monday, March 30, 2026

“Read John, Chapters 18 and 19”

Today’s challenge for Lent is another simple one: read chapters 18 and 19 of John’s Gospel. The purpose of this challenge is clear. It is meant to help us remember and better understand God’s work.

Holy Week, the week leading to Easter, has begun. We have six days to prepare, and during this time, we are called to remember one of the most difficult moments in the life of Jesus. Unlike Christmas, the traffic is no worse, and the stores are not overflowing with last-minute shoppers.

Instead, many people treat Easter as just another day off from work, or perhaps an excuse to enjoy a big meal with friends and family. In our area, Easter weekend often feels like the perfect beach weekend, and many people will head from inland homes to the barrier islands. Plans are being made for free time, but not always for time with the Lord.

Today’s challenge is meant to help us prepare our hearts by reading the story of Jesus’ betrayal, suffering, and death. Given to us in all four Gospels, the story is essential because it reveals God’s incredible and unconditional love for humanity.

God does not endure this suffering so that we can simply enjoy another holiday or another day at the beach. While God is certainly glad to give us beautiful gifts and joyful days, God is even more committed to giving eternal life to His people. That is what Easter is about.

No matter how much or how little we have done during Lent so far, each one of us still has six days left to focus, reflect, contemplate, and give thanks.

Begin this week by reading John, chapters 18 and 19. Try to read them straight through without interruption. It will likely take about ten minutes, perhaps a little more. Most importantly, do not let yourself be distracted. Find a quiet moment, open your heart and mind, and pay attention to what God may be saying to you.

“...It is finished...” (John 19:30, NRSVue)

 Lent Day 40, Sunday, March 29, 2026

“When Dreams Go Sideways”

Have all of your childhood dreams come true? No? Mine neither.

Over the course of life, things change. We set goals, but how often do we actually reach them? Even when we do, the path that gets us there is rarely what we expected.

Some of our childhood dreams may have come true, but often the journey has been anything but straightforward. It is usually a winding road filled with detours, setbacks, and surprises along the way.

I am often amused when I hear young success stories in sports, music, or acting. Sometimes, as they talk about years of hard work and long days, I cannot help but smile. Many of us have worked long and hard for decades and still have not reached some of the dreams we once held.

That is an easy observation to make because most of us can relate. We have worked hard. We have pushed forward. And yet, some dreams, aspirations, and goals have not unfolded the way we imagined. Somewhere along the way, life went sideways, and our dreams seemed to follow.

What do we do when our dreams are put on hold?  How do we respond when our plans change? How do we recover, reorganize, and keep moving forward?

God is not surprised by sideways dreams. In fact, God is very good at working through them. What feels like a detour to us may be part of a much larger plan. What feels like a setback may be preparing us for something we could not have imagined.

Dreaming is not just for children. Dreaming is for all of us. Our dreams may become more grounded and realistic over time, but that does not mean they are finished. There is still more ahead.

Today, give God your attention. Talk honestly about where you are and what you are facing. Offer an open heart and mind to whatever God may be doing next.  The answer may not come immediately, but God is listening, and God’s way forward may be surprisingly different from your own.

Listen closely. Pay attention.  God is still at work in your life!

“The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.”  (Proverbs 16:9, NRSVue)

 Lent Day 39, Saturday, March 28, 2026

“Plant a Seed or Flower”

Today’s Lenten challenge is a simple one, but it carries great meaning: plant a seed or a flower.

If you have been following along this Lenten season with the Chapel, you know that our theme is “Dream Again.” This theme invites participation in several ways, including these daily devotions and challenges. Another way many of you have participated is by growing a plant that was provided earlier in the season and preparing to bring it back to the Chapel to be planted in our garden.

Today’s challenge builds on that idea. When we plant a seed or care for a flower, we are demonstrating faith. We trust that something small and hidden will grow into something visible and meaningful.

Of course, growth does not happen on its own. A seed needs water and sunlight, but not too much. It needs attention and care. Without it, the plant may never fully develop.

Our dreams are much the same. We cannot simply toss a dream into the air and expect it to take shape on its own. We are called to participate. We must be attentive. We must nurture what God has placed within us, allowing space for God to work in our hearts and minds.

If we ignore our dreams, they will not grow. If we neglect them, they may fade before they ever take root.

So today, plant something. It can be a seed, a flower, an herb, or even a small plant from a store. But whatever you choose, commit to caring for it.

And as you do, take a moment to thank God for the beauty of creation and for the gift of growth, both in the world around us and within us.

“Then Jesus said, “God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows—he has no idea how it happens.”  (Mark 4:26-27, The Message)

 Lent Day 38, Friday, March 27, 2026

“24-Hour Fast”

Wait!  Don’t hang up!  You can do this.

Fasting from food for 24 hours is not as difficult as you might think. First, remember that part of that time will be spent sleeping. Second, if today does not work for you, choose another day and give it a try.

The goal of this Lenten challenge is to refrain from food for one full day. One helpful approach is to eat an early dinner on Thursday and then avoid food throughout Friday until you reach the 24-hour mark. I do this often. If I eat at 5:00 pm on Thursday, I can complete my fast by 5:00 pm on Friday. Done.

What about the rules?  Drinks are allowed, but be wise. Loading up on sugary or empty-calorie drinks will not help. Alcohol without food is not a good idea. Water is best, and fruit or vegetable juices can also be helpful since they provide nutrients and can take the edge off hunger.

The purpose of fasting is to give glory to God. We step away from something we depend on in order to remember what matters most. Food is important, and most of us have plenty of it. But it is the Lord who provides it. Fasting gives us an opportunity to pause, give thanks, and place God first.

Today, you may feel like you are choosing between a cheeseburger and God. If so, choose God. The cheeseburger will still be there later.

You may be surprised by what you can do with a little planning, a little discipline, and a focused heart.

“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’”  (Matthew 4:4, NIV)

 Lent Day 37, Thursday, March 26, 2026

“Complete A Procrastinated Task”

We’ve made it! Well, almost.

We are just ten days away from Easter. For some, that means the finish line is in sight, and a few long-avoided things are about to return. For others, it means final preparations are underway for Easter celebrations. Yes, Easter is almost here, but it only matters if we choose to let it matter.

The world keeps moving forward whether we act or not. The calendar turns, the days pass, and life continues. Today’s devotion is meant to encourage us to take action.  Your challenge is simple: complete a task you have been putting off.

There is something sitting on your list right now. Organizing your desk. Finishing the laundry. Cleaning out a space in your home. Sending a message to someone you have been meaning to contact. Maybe even finishing your taxes.

We all have something we have delayed. While these tasks may seem small, completing them can bring a surprising sense of clarity, relief, and even peace.

When God created Easter, the world was changed in a powerful and lasting way. We take part in that ongoing work by doing good, helping others, and caring for the world around us. But often, it begins with something simple right in front of us.

What is that one thing you have been putting off?

Find the time. Take a breath. Start it. Finish it.  You might be surprised how much lighter you feel when it is done.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.”  (Ecclesiastes 9:10a, ESV)

 Lent Day 36, Wednesday, March 25, 2026

“Eliminate One Bad Habit for 24 Hours”

It is hard to believe, but after today, we begin the ten-day countdown to Easter. Why not celebrate by taking on another challenge and eliminating one bad habit for 24 hours?

As before, these daily Lenten challenges are meant to build momentum through small successes. If you have participated in even a few of them, you have likely experienced some victories along the way. Have you been perfect through all thirty-five challenges? Probably not. Like your NCAA tournament bracket, perfection is unlikely this season.

Life is not about being perfect. If you have completed every challenge, that is wonderful. But for most of us, this season has reminded us that perfection, even in small things, is difficult to maintain.

Perfection is not the goal; The goal is to try. The goal is to offer our effort to the Lord. When we fall short, we try again. When we succeed, we are reminded that growth is possible.

Today’s challenge is to eliminate one bad habit for 24 hours. If you are like me, you have several to choose from.

So be bold!  Take on one that is not easy. When the temptation shows up, recognize it and overcome it.

Do something intentional for God today. Choose one habit. Set it aside for 24 hours. Then, give thanks for the strength and courage to do what you thought you could not.

It is time to dream again!

“Christ gives me the strength to face anything.”  (Philippians 4:13, CEV)

 Lent Day 35, Tuesday, March 24, 2026

“Handwrite and Send a Letter”

When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? It always feels special because we recognize the time and care someone took to write it and send it. It is a simple act, but it carries a lot of meaning. Today is a great day to help someone else feel that same sense of care.f

With the rise of technology and instant communication, handwritten letters have become rare. Some people still write them, but many of us wonder about the generations that follow. Will they know how to write and send a letter? Most likely, they will, but it still makes you think. Will the mail system look the same in twenty years? Will a simple letter still be something we value?

There are many reasons to send a letter, and today is not really about the future of the mail system. Sometimes we write to thank someone for something meaningful they have done. Sometimes we write to encourage someone going through a difficult time. Sometimes we write to celebrate a special moment.

Whatever the reason, a simple handwritten note can make a lasting impact. It reminds someone that they are remembered, respected, and cared for.

We can do this! Think of someone who would be encouraged by a note. Write it today. Mail it.  Sometime later this week, your words may bring a smile to their face.

“Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  (Proverbs 16:24, NLT)

 Lent Day 34, Monday, March 23, 2026

“Clean and Organize Today”

Today’s Lenten challenge is aimed directly at those of us who need to clean out our closets. Yes, this can be taken metaphorically, but today the focus is very much on the literal. There is something that needs to be cleaned out.

This week, we are paying attention to things we often overlook. Junk drawers, overfilled closets, and items stuffed under the bed all qualify. So do the things hiding in our car trunks, the leftovers in the refrigerator that have been there a little too long, and the buildup we would rather not think about in our kitchens and bathrooms.

Why does this matter? If we have to ask that question, we may not be as aware of our surroundings as we should be. What would someone think if they opened a closet and a deflated basketball fell on their head? Or if they reached into the refrigerator for cheese and discovered that it had turned a suspicious shade of green?

Yes, today’s challenge is a simple one, but it can make a real difference. Do the air conditioner filters need to be changed? Have we checked under the recliner or between the couch cushions for that missing item? Take care of it today. You might even be rewarded by finding your lost keys or a handful of spare change.

Clean and organize today. If you cannot do everything, start somewhere and make it a personal goal to finish by Easter.

You will be glad when you are done.

“Everything should be done with dignity and in proper order.”  (1 Corinthians 14:40, CEB)

 Lent Day 33, Sunday, March 22, 2026

“Let Go”

Am I holding on too tightly? That is a tough question to ask. The answer depends on what I am holding on to. If it is a bad habit, then yes, I am holding on too tightly. If it is work or responsibility, perhaps I am carrying more than I should.

The season of Lent invites us to pause and reflect on God’s work in our lives. When we take time to notice God’s movement, protection, and blessings, something begins to shift within us. We become less focused on ourselves and more open to what God is doing in and around us.

It may sound simple, but it is true. If our lives are already filled with everything we think we need, we may not leave any room for God to do something new. We may feel capable of handling whatever comes our way, but without space for God, we may miss what God is trying to do next.

God does not force us to make good decisions, and God does not always remove the consequences of poor ones. Instead, God gives us the freedom to choose. In that freedom, we see the depth of God’s love and respect for us.

And here is the remarkable part. God has hope for us. In fact, God often has more hope for us than we have for ourselves. Because of that, God continues to place opportunities before us to grow, to change, and to become more fully who we are meant to be.

Are you ready to move forward?

Today, take some time to consider what might be holding you back in your relationship with God. My guess is that we have something we need to release to move ahead.

What is it? What are we holding on to?

Whatever it is, it may be time to let it go so that God can be God and we can grow into a more faithful and complete version of ourselves.

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”  (Psalm 55:22, NLT)

Lent Day 32, Saturday, March 21, 2026
“Thank a Military Service Member”

Today’s challenge is to thank someone who is serving or has served in the military. You may have someone in your own home, which makes this easy. Others of us will need to be more intentional and keep our eyes open. Many people are currently in uniform. Many others once wore the uniform and now serve in different ways. Their service still matters in every way, and our veterans absolutely deserve our sincere thanks.

I am not the one putting my life on the line to protect the freedoms I enjoy, including the freedom to gather for worship. Nor is my family waiting through the night, hoping for a call from a loved one serving far from home in a different time zone.

In that sense, I consider myself blessed. God did not place a call to military service on my heart. Instead, God called me to serve as a pastor to many who have served in the military and the Coast Guard. From time to time, I am asked to lead services at national cemeteries for a service member or a spouse. In those moments, I often feel humbled by what they have given, yet I am grateful for the opportunity to offer something in return.

Today, take a moment to thank a service member or a veteran. If you do not encounter one today, stay attentive in the days ahead. They are all around us. Sometimes, a simple conversation with a stranger can become a meaningful moment of gratitude.

A sincere “thank you” can go a long way.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  (John 15:13, NIV)

 Lent Day 31, Friday, March 20, 2026

“Fruits or Vegetables with Each Snack and Meal”

What’s for dinner tonight? We can wait on that for a few minutes. What about breakfast, lunch, or brunch?

It is a little frustrating how often I ask myself those questions throughout the day. I think about food so much that you might assume I am undernourished or worried about my next meal. The truth is, I have plenty to eat and drink. Many people do not, which makes me pause and reflect on how easily I take that for granted.

During Lent, Fridays are often devoted to giving something up as a way to honor God. Today, however, is a little different. Instead of withholding something, we are challenged to add something healthy to everything we eat.

Want a burger and fries for lunch? That is fine. Just add a serving of fruit or a healthy vegetable to your plate. Craving your favorite pasta dish for dinner? Go ahead, but include a salad.  In dire need of a snack?  Have a carrot stick or a banana.

Today’s challenge is to eat a fruit or vegetable with everything we consume. The goal is to care for our bodies by paying attention to what we are consuming. Most of us have enough food. The question is whether we are nourishing our bodies well.

For the next 24 hours, add something healthy to everything you eat. It sounds simple, but it may not be as easy as it seems. If you reach for a quick snack, pair it with something nutritious.  Or, if your physician would frown on your participation in today’s challenge, pray for 15 minutes and call it good.

This is not just about food. It is about awareness, gratitude, and caring for what God has given us.

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”  (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, NLT)

 Lent Day 30, Thursday, March 19, 2026

“Invite Someone To Church”

This week in Lent, our challenges are focused on how God multiplies our simple efforts. We are not part of God’s leftovers. We are God’s priority, and not only because we are special, but because God is gracious and loving.

God took great care in creating each of us. That includes our family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers we pass each day. An invitation to church is one of the most meaningful things we can offer someone. It not only reflects the joy we have in our church, but it also communicates genuine care for the person we are inviting.

Did you know that some people who do not attend church might actually feel overlooked if they are never invited? It may sound surprising, but some wonder if they are not invited because they are not good enough to attend church.  That may not be our intention at all, but it can still be how it feels.

The gift of the church is a big deal. If you are someone who does not attend regularly, this challenge might feel a bit uncomfortable. But it is also a great opportunity. Your invitation communicates your desire to grow in faith, and the person you invite may be encouraged simply by your willingness to ask for support.

Today’s challenge is easy: Invite someone to church.

If you are wondering whether this is the right time, the answer is yes. Easter is approaching, one of the most meaningful times in the life of the Church. Just like Christmas, this season is filled with opportunity, energy, and openness.

Whom will you invite? Pay attention. God may place someone in your path that you would never expect.

“Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.”  (Luke 14:23b, ESV)

 Lent Day 29, Wednesday, March 18, 2026

“Make a Monetary Donation”

In this fifth week of Lent, we are focusing on God’s great plans for our lives. Some of the simplest actions, like thanking someone or caring for the earth, can make a much bigger difference than we might think.

God does not need much to do something big and bold. Actually, God does not need anything from us except our faith, respect, and attention.

Like everything else, when it comes to financial resources, God does not need much to accomplish great things. If you take a penny and I add two pennies, it still does not seem like much purchasing power. But that is not the point. When we add our three pennies to God’s church, they are joined with everyone else’s pennies. Together, they become something much greater.

Through those combined gifts, the church is able to do many wonderful things, because God’s abundant love becomes the true currency that spreads into our lives and into the lives of people throughout the community.

God is incredibly generous. God has given us a beautiful world filled with resources that help feed, clothe, and care for people. When some people lack what they need, it is not because God has withheld generosity. Often, it is because we have not yet stepped forward to share what we have been given.

That is where our pennies matter. Through generosity, we can help many people. God first gave these blessings to us. It is our responsibility to return a portion of what we have received, not because we are wealthy, but because we can choose to be generous and honor God in the process.

Today’s Lenten challenge is to make a monetary donation to a local church or religious institution. Trust me on this. Even if you give only a penny, it can still make a difference.

Mail it. Drop it in the offering box. Give electronically. Place it into the hands of someone who can deliver it for you.

Let today become a day of generosity and love for our brothers and sisters in the community and throughout the world.

“As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.  He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins.  “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” (Luke 21:1-3, NIV)

 Lent Day 28, Tuesday, March 17, 2026

“Be or Wear Green”

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, an annual celebration of the life and ministry of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The color green became associated with the day through the symbol of the shamrock and Ireland’s nickname, the “Emerald Isle.”

Green is also an important color in the Christian Church.  If you have not noticed it before, green is the most common liturgical color used worldwide by churches throughout the year. Although other colors appear during special seasons, such as red, purple, and white, most Sundays find the paraments and pastors’ vestments displayed in green.

Why green? Green represents life and growth. The inspiration comes from the natural world around us. Green grass, trees, bushes, and countless other signs of life remind us of renewal and growth, which is why the Church chose this color for worship.

In our culture today, green can also refer to the conservation of resources. When we care for the earth, we help preserve the beauty and life that God placed within creation.

Today, many people will also reflect on the work of St. Patrick himself. As a bishop in Ireland, he faced tremendous challenges, yet faithfully shared the gospel with others. He helped establish churches, schools, and monasteries, devoting his life to the spread of the Gospel and the study of God’s Word.

If you want to learn more about St. Patrick, his story is well worth exploring. His life and ministry continue to inspire Christians around the world. An internet search will open plenty of doors to learning more, and St. Patrick would agree that reading and exploring are great things!

In the meantime, put on something green today. Practice “green” by recycling and caring for the earth. Let it be a small reminder that God carefully crafted our world into an amazingly beautiful place.

“The earth is the LORD’S, and all that is in it.” (Psalm 24:1a, NRSVue)