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Today is the 20th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

Here is today’s prayer event:  31″Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31-34 ESV)

Jesus knows that Peter is about to deny him.  One of Jesus’ three closest friends is about to stab him in the back.  Still, Jesus prays for him.  Jesus prays that Peter’s “faith may not fail.”  Jesus spends some of his last moments praying for the faith of one who won’t even have the courage to admit that he is a follower of Jesus.

Whether you keep a mental or written prayer list, how many people like Peter are on it?  My tendency is to remove from my prayer list the people who make my life painful.  Jesus’ tendency is to add them to his list.  Who are the challenging, difficult, irritating, disappointing, and aggravating people in your life?  Add them to your prayer list and start praying!

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tobi0406/3204211926/]

Today is the 19th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

Here is today’s prayer event:  20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matt. 26:20-29 ESV)

What a stunning contrast–Jesus reveals his betrayer but then blesses the bread and gives thanks for the cup!  Here is another example of Jesus blessing–in this case, giving thanks.  Jesus has every reason to complain, to groan, and to grieve.  Yet, he blesses the bread and gives thank for the cup.

Jesus was following the prescribed routine associated with the Passover Meal.  By custom, he was supposed to bless the bread and give thanks for the cup.  Yet this scene demonstrates how habits and traditions like “saying grace” or “saying the blessing” can be critical.  Especially in difficult times, the simple habit of still “thanking God for this meal” can be formative.

Do you “say grace” at every meal?  Why?  Why not?  How could you be more intentional about this practice so that it cultivates a more thankful spirit within you?  When you do “say grace,” what do you say?  What other words/phrases might make this habitual prayer more formative?

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pepesanta/4367204563/]

Today is the 18th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

Here is today’s prayer event: 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” (John 12:27-28 ESV).

As with all of the prayers for which we have Jesus’ actual words, this one is prayed in the cold shadow of the cross.  Here, Jesus lays out the two options we have when faced with pain and suffering: “Father, save me.” or “Father, use me.”  The prayer, “Father, glorify your name,” is a plea for God to use the cross and Jesus’ suffering for His purposes, to reveal something about Himself.

Save me.  Use me.

Take a few moments right now to identify a circumstance in your life that brings you pain or suffering.  Rather than asking God to save you from that circumstance, ask Him right now to use you in the midst of that circumstance.

SHARE WITH READERS BELOW A DIFFICULT TIME WHEN GOD USED YOU  OR THE CIRCUMSTANCE FOR GOOD.

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/grujbarova/3323702112/]