Lent Devotional March 22, 2023

Lenten Devotional March 22, 2023

Scripture

Psalm 27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evildoers assail me
to devour my flesh —
my adversaries and foes —
they shall stumble and fall.

3 Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.

4 One thing I asked of the LORD,
that will I seek after:
to live in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to behold the beauty of the LORD,
and to inquire in his temple.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter
in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will set me high on a rock.

6 Now my head is lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud,
be gracious to me and answer me!
8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, do I seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger,
you who have been my help.
Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,
O God of my salvation!
10 If my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies.
12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries,
for false witnesses have risen against me,
and they are breathing out violence.

13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the LORD!

Devotional

The Rev. Annamarie Groenenboom ’17

One of my favorite classes in seminary was Psalms with Dr. Creach. The lectures, discussions, and readings were interesting but the thing that inspired me most was our final projects. We were given a psalm to research, learn about, become an expert on, and present creatively. I had the opportunity to delve into Psalm 27.

Whether you are reading the Psalm of the Day in a worship service or needing some personal encouragement in the depths and busyness of Lent, Psalm 27 is filled with inspiration, beauty, and comforting truths. The psalm starts out with God’s light. March is still considered winter in Michigan and continues to plunge us into days of darkness and dreariness. Yet this psalm starts by reminding us that no matter what is going on in life, whether it’s a dark day or a somber season, we still can rely on God’s beautiful shining light piercing through the darkness.

Verse 11 is also especially appropriate for this season of Lent: “Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.” As we try to remember, respond to, proclaim, and prepare for the death of Jesus Christ, let us be inspired to be taught the ways of God. Let us be encouraged to follow the path that God has set for each one of us and trust in the grace that God gives to us.

As we wait and prepare for Holy Week, let us wait for the Lord; be strong, and let our hearts take courage.

Prayer

Gracious God, you are our light and our salvation. As we journey through this Lenten season, gives us grace to learn your ways and to walk the paths that you have set out for us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

ABOUT PITTSBURGH THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Rooted in the Reformed tradition, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is committed to the formation of students for theologically reflective ministry and to scholarship in service to the global Church of Jesus Christ.

Become a Hybrid Student

PTS Neighborhood Collaborative Resource Programs

Faculty

In addition to their on-campus duties, our faculty are experts in their fields and are available to preach and teach. Learn more about their topics of research and writing and invite them to present at your congregation or gathering.

Events

The Seminary hosts a wide range of events—many of them free!—on topics of faith including church planting, mission, vocation, spiritual formation, pastoral care and counseling, archaeology, and many more. Visit our calendar often for a listing of upcoming events.

Visit PTS

Interested in the Seminary? Come visit us!

Stay in Touch with PTS

Sign-up to receive the Seminary's newsletters: Seminary News (monthly), Center for Adaptive and Innovative Ministry, Continuing Education, Kelso Museum, Metro-Urban Institute, Miller Summer Youth Institute, and World Mission Initiative. Alums, there's also one for you!