Page 12 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Saturday, February 25

All Are Welcome - Hymn 641

Composed by Marty Haugen (b. 1950), the lyrics of the hymn begin with, “Let us build a
house, where love can dwell." An image of the church comes readily to mind. The church at
its best is a place where love for every person lives. The hymn ends by repeating the

words, “All Are Welcome," a resounding message to a world searching for connection
with God and with one another.

Haugen has composed a number of liturgical settings for the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America. He is a composer-in-residence at Mayflower Community
Congregational Church in Minneapolis and continues to compose and travel to speak

and teach at worship events around the world.

Love Our Neighbor Reflection
What more comforting words could be heard to offer hope for all whose lives have seen
insurmountable problems with addiction, illness, poverty and discrimination. With

prayer and faith these obstacles will be made low, days will be filled with hope and the
future will be smooth and paths straight. The addict freed from his chains, the ill stand
and be healthy, the poor rich in their family, friends with needs met, those

discriminated against be made welcome, loved and not judged for who or what they are,
as we wait for the coming of our Lord.

~Verdell Bohling (11 years with First Lutheran )

Prayer

Amazing Grace, you pour out upon us your abundant love and call us to go and do
likewise. Can there be any gift greater than telling a person lost in sin, disconnected
from community, or separated from your love that they belong, they matter, and they

have found a home that welcomes them? Help us to live into the fullest meaning and
potential of being the welcome place. Amen.