Lent Devotional 2019

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About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

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

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special 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), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!

Lent Devotional MARCH 25, 2019

Scripture

Psalm 6

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger,
        or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
        O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
3 My soul also is struck with terror,
        while you, O LORD — how long?

4 Turn, O LORD, save my life;
        deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of you;
        in Sheol who can give you praise?

6 I am weary with my moaning;
        every night I flood my bed with tears;
        I drench my couch with my weeping.
7 My eyes waste away because of grief;
        they grow weak because of all my foes.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
        for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my supplication;
        the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror;
        they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.

Devotional

The Rev. Colin Pritchard, Church Planting and Revitalization Certificate / Minister, First Presbyterian Church in Victor, N.Y.

The Psalmist speaks in a singular voice, yet the petition rings true for all creation. In these days, too, there are moments of languishing and terror, tears and a sense of separation from the source of all joy. With floods and fire, increasing fatal acts of violence, political strife, and momentary victories for darkness, it can be easy to join the Psalmist in weary weeping. Yet we are not rebuked for our tears.

“Turn, O Lord.” How we long to see the face of God. Could it be that the gracious, whispered reply of the Holy is simply this: “Return”? It is true that God’s love is steadfast, and our prayers are accepted. God longs for us as well. In the eternal turning of God to us, and our returning to God, one thing must flee: Be gone weary hopelessness, for the Lord has heard our supplication. The stone rolls away, for that has always been the story of Grace.

Prayer

Most Holy God, this day we pray that you will accept our prayers once again. May your promise release our fear. May your love inform our hope. May the requirements of your compassion guide our repentance. Return us to our labors as bearers of your light. May fear be the only thing afraid as we walk with you this day. Amen.

Lent Devotional MARCH 25, 2019

Scripture

Psalm 6

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger,
        or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
        O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.
3 My soul also is struck with terror,
        while you, O LORD — how long?

4 Turn, O LORD, save my life;
        deliver me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5 For in death there is no remembrance of you;
        in Sheol who can give you praise?

6 I am weary with my moaning;
        every night I flood my bed with tears;
        I drench my couch with my weeping.
7 My eyes waste away because of grief;
        they grow weak because of all my foes.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
        for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my supplication;
        the LORD accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and struck with terror;
        they shall turn back, and in a moment be put to shame.

Devotional

The Rev. Colin Pritchard, Church Planting and Revitalization Certificate / Minister, First Presbyterian Church in Victor, N.Y.

The Psalmist speaks in a singular voice, yet the petition rings true for all creation. In these days, too, there are moments of languishing and terror, tears and a sense of separation from the source of all joy. With floods and fire, increasing fatal acts of violence, political strife, and momentary victories for darkness, it can be easy to join the Psalmist in weary weeping. Yet we are not rebuked for our tears.

“Turn, O Lord.” How we long to see the face of God. Could it be that the gracious, whispered reply of the Holy is simply this: “Return”? It is true that God’s love is steadfast, and our prayers are accepted. God longs for us as well. In the eternal turning of God to us, and our returning to God, one thing must flee: Be gone weary hopelessness, for the Lord has heard our supplication. The stone rolls away, for that has always been the story of Grace.

Prayer

Most Holy God, this day we pray that you will accept our prayers once again. May your promise release our fear. May your love inform our hope. May the requirements of your compassion guide our repentance. Return us to our labors as bearers of your light. May fear be the only thing afraid as we walk with you this day. Amen.

About Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

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

Become a Student

Certificate Programs

Special 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), Church Planting Initiative (monthly), Continuing Education (monthly), World Mission Initiative (monthly), Metro-Urban Institute (quarterly), and Kelso Museum. Alums, there's also one for you!