Text: Ephesians 1:7-8, 2:13
As we walk through this season of reflection and repentance together, we want to provide time and space for us as individuals and a community to meditate on God’s Word and bow at His feet in prayer.
Each Saturday during Lent we will read a brief passage of Scripture and a corporate prayer, both carefully chosen for this specific place in our Lenten journey. Sundays will be dedicated to scripture memorization, one of our favorite habits here at She Reads Truth.
We pray you will not only meet with the Savior on these quieter weekend days, but linger there with Him, in prayer and in His Word.
HEAVENLY FATHER,
Thou hast led me singing to the cross
where I fling down all my burdens
and see them vanish,
where my mountains of guilt are levelled
to a plain,
where my sins disappear, though they are
the greatest that exist,
and are more in number than the grains
of fine sand;
For there is power in the blood of Calvary
to destroy sins more than can be counted
even by one from the choir of heaven.
Thou hast given me a hill-side spring
that washes clear and white,
and I go as a sinner to its waters,
bathing without hindrance
in its crystal streams.
At the cross there is free forgiveness
for poor and meek ones,
and ample blessings that last for ever;
The blood of the Lamb is like a great river
of infinite grace
with never any diminishing of its fullness
as thirsty ones without number drink of it.
O Lord, for ever will thy free forgiveness live
that was gained on the mount of blood;
In the midst of a world of pain
it is a subject for praise in every place,
a song on earth, an anthem in heaven,
its love and virtue knowing no end.
I have a longing for the world above
where multitudes sing the great song,
for my soul was never created to love
the dust of earth.
Though here my spiritual state is frail and poor,
I shall go on singing Calvary’s anthem.
May I always know
that a clean heart full of goodness
is more beautiful than the lily,
that only a clean heart can sing by night
and by day,
that such a heart is mine when I abide
at Calvary.
– “Calvary’s Anthem”, from The Valley of Vision
I just joined this group yesterday while in night-owl mode and am so thankful God led me here. I’m moved by how the verse describes the Lord lavishing his grace on us and doing so with all wisdom…beautiful! I think of how I lavish cuddles and hugs on my little dog and how he soaks it up contentedly. I’m thankful today that “my mountains of guilt are leveled to a plain” by the precious blood of Jesus shed on Calvary. “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus…”
Btw, That lovely spinach photo gives me joy and so relates to the theme…we’re clean, and fortified and made spiritually healthy because of Christ! :)
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that my redemption and the forgiveness of my trespasses are given "according to the riches of Your grace" (Ephesians 1:7). If it were given according to my ability to repent properly or feel the appropriate amount of sorrow for my sins, I would fail time and time again. Please help me to live in the freedom that this brings! My forgiveness is according to YOUR love, YOUR grace, YOUR sacrifice–not anything that I do or don't do. Help me to rest in this today and always.
I appreciate your prayer Sarah H.
Hey Community!!
We are so blessed to have SRT. I grew up practicing the diciplines (like reading the word, praying, journaling, memorizing scripture, even started fasting in high school). But it definitely became something to measure my performance with Christ. It ended up being very inwardly focused, a very anxious practice. Since then I have started attending Gospel-centered churches where it is clear that Jesus is the one who starts, carries, and completes our salvation. – Hebrews 12:2, 2nd Timothy 2:13 for just a few references.
But anyway, since really coming to understand justification by faith alone, I have really wrestled with faithfully keeping up with the diciplines. Through practicing Lent with SRT this season, I have realized, again, the purpose of the diciplines. They are meant as tools for intimacy with Christ! Jesus secured our salvation and our righteousness so none of what we do on earth earns us points with God in any way. Yet God knows that out hearts are prone to wander and he lovingly gives us various diciplines to help us draw near with hearts of faith (Hebrews 10:19-25)
So yeah, I am thankful for SRT for helping renew the practice of the diciplines with a thankful and expectant heart. Having something to check and the scriptures for me to read every day really has rekindled the flame. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing that scripture and highlighting the purpose of disciplines…."meant as tools for intimacy with Christ" Love that reminder!!
Blessings to you!
I am moved and humbled by the picture of the 'great river of infinite grace'…
That He provides water of life without cost, and pours out His Blesing of life, clean and abundant… I have no adequate words to share my melted and grateful heart.
Thank you, SRT for providing this prayer, these studies, and sharing the great and glorious Love of our God.
I’ve really been trying to combat negative thinking & focus on the love God has for me & His promises. Remembering Jesus gave His life to set me free. He loved me first & when I didn’t love myself. My soul cries “Thank you for The Blood that cleansed me, healed me & made me whole again. I will rejoice & be glad!!” I have a tendency to reflect & look at all the wrong I’ve done, all the consequences I’ve paid & begin to feel down as though I’ve messed up my life & then I hear MY Shepherd’s voice saying “Shameka, My daughter, I knit you in your mother’s womb. I know you for I alone created you & gave you life. I love you & nothing you do, no hole is too deep that I will not find you & love you. Yes I know the sin that you struggle with; the thorn in you side. I know the mistakes you’ve made BUT I AM THAT I AM & I love you. I have plans to prosper you not to harm you. My Will for your life is still in affect. Come to me & cast all you cares aside. My love you & peace I give you.” Awe Praise God for The Blood, redemption, & prayer
Amen!!
Beautifully spoken, Sister!
Shameka it is amazing to me that the closer I get to God the harder Satan fights with his negative words to try to keep me away. Like you say I too often find myself looking back at who I WAS and letting that distract me. Thank you for reminding us we are all forgiven and God loves us knowing what we have done and who we are and He alone is big enough to cover it all. He does have plans to prosper and not harm all of His children.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing this!
Such beautiful words that deeply touch the heart! It’s as if I’ve been washed by a clear mountain stream and am resting in the arms of peace now. Thank You Lord for Your sacrifice!