Page 51 - Lenten Devotional 2023

Saturday, April 1

All Are Welcome - Hymn 641

Hymn 641 Verse 5a
Let us build a house where all are named, their songs and visions heard and loved and

treasured, taught and claimed, as words within the Word.

Reflection

In worship we gather as one body in Christ. We are called into community beginning
with an affirmation of our baptism, water poured over us to cleanse us of our sins. We
hear the promises of this baptism, eternal salvation with our Lord and the forgiveness

of our sins. Having confessed our sins we gather together around the altar to receive the
body and blood of Christ, affirming God’s love, forgiveness and promise of salvation.

Love of Neighbor Reflection
We should want the best for our neighbors and should work to bring health, safety,

justice, peace, love and flourishing to all humans, whether it's the family next door or
someone on the other side of the world.
~Scott Seebohm (6 yrs with First Lutheran)

Since every person on this planet is our neighbor, we are commanded to love all just as
we love ourselves ... the good and the bad (in our opinion). Examples of the "bad" would

likely include people who oppress the poor and disenfranchised and those that commit
unspeakable crimes against others. Needless to say, humanly speaking, it's very difficult

to love some people. Only when we see what God sees in a person can we love all
without prejudice.
~Gordon Wolfe (4 yrs with First Lutheran)

Prayer
Divine Spirit create in us a humility that bends our knees, opens our hands, and

prepares us to receive your divine spirit into our lives. May we never be to proud to
think we can go through this life alone, that we can live freely within a fortress of