March 24-30, 2024
As we approach Easter at the end of this month, we recognize that this is a season about preparing our hearts to hear from God.
Maybe you have never prayed before. Maybe you have not made a habit of reading the Bible. Maybe you have never practiced Lent before this season. Maybe you regularly do all three - we are simply asking that He speak in new ways. We are all coming from different places but God has something to say to each of us as individuals.
Here is your invitation: Take time to study the Scriptures that reflect on Jesus' ministry, His death, and His resurrection for the next four weeks. Take 15-20 mins of your day to read these verses, reflect, and pray. We will have some additional challenges at the end of each week. You can choose to do all of them or just try one for the first time. We are praying for you as you embark on this experience.
This week's Bible reading: John 19:1-7
Focus Verse: “Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate *said to them, “Behold, the Man!” (John 19:5)
Prayer Prompts
Day 1: Verse 1-2 mentions the soldiers flogging Jesus, placing a crown of thorns on his head, and wrapping him in a purple robe. What could these images (applied to your relationship with Christ) symbolize for areas of your life? Pray about each image and ask God to reveal a truth to you.
Day 2: Verse 3 mentions the soldiers mocking and slapping Jesus. Is there someone you have mocked or mistreated this week? If you are able, go to them and ask forgiveness. Feel your weight of sin lifted and the relationship repaired. If you are not able, confess to God your errant ways and remember that He is faithful to forgive you.
Day 3: In verse 4, Pilate reveals that Jesus is innocent, yet the crowd still chose to crucify Him. What ways have you been defensive of your actions? Think about how God advocates on our behalf and how Jesus didn’t mutter one word of His own accord. Allow God the Father to be your defense today!
Day 4: Verse 5 says, “Behold the man!” Take some time today and just behold Jesus. He is a confidant and a friend. He is a companion and acquainted with suffering. He is a humble servant. He wants to commune with you today. Take a walk with Him.
Day 5: Verses 6-7 talk about Jesus making Himself out to be the Son of God. What part of the story do you have trouble believing? Confess your unbelief to God and ask Him to help you in your unbelief (Mark 9:23-24).
Challenge: Take some time to make some crosses out of whatever materials you have on hand (paper, yarn, sticks, popsicle sticks, etc.). Leave them in random public places with a note that says, “Jesus died for you because of His great love!”
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry.
Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.