Use this devo as you are able, in whole or in part. Don’t feel compelled to read it all. Simply read and meditate upon whatever catches your attention. The goal is enjoying time with God through His Word and in prayer. Questions about the devotional elements?
Call to Prayer
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Prayer of Confession
Confession is formative. It trains us to recognize the ways our hearts have become de-formed and how Christ is at work bringing redemption in our lives. Pray with this in mind.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. —Isa. 41:10
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” —2 Cor. 12:9
Heavenly Father, we are so glad the Gospel isn’t about magic-thinking or make-believing, spiritual-spinning or circumstance-denying. In fact, the Gospel is the only place in the universe where we can be completely honest and vulnerable. That’s what we take courage in this week as we prepare our hearts to worship you this Resurrection Sunday!
Thank you for upholding us with your “righteous right hand”—the hand that holds us close to your heart. Being honest, though we’d prefer instant relief, thank you for the promise and provision of sufficient grace.
For those of us feeling the weight of virus-concerns, heart-hurts, and/or messy relationships—grant us peace, the assurance of your sovereignty, and more peace.
For those of us weighed down by some combination of financial uncertainty, vocational disruption, and education complications for our kids—make Romans 8:28 real to us. These are some of the “all things” you are working in for our good.
For those of us who have been spiritually cool, indifferent or adrift for a while—may this pandemic prove to be the means by which you restore us to the joy of our salvation and our first love for Jesus. May our awe of your Fatherly love be greater than our fear of getting infected.
You have subpoenaed us to hope and a life of intimacy with yourself. You want us, you have us, and you love us. Hallelujah, right now and forever, we are yours.
Put on our hearts this Holy Week those who would benefit today from a check-in call, a word of kindness, and a prayer of hope. Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.
Take a moment to confess your sins, knowing that he hears you.
Reading Plan
This reading plan will help you to develop the habit of being in God’s Word each morning and evening. Come to this time with expectation. Expect God to reveal himself to you. Expect that he delights in you being there, even when you’ve wandered away. Growing a spiritual habit is a slow, patient process. So be kind to yourself as you grow!
Readings are hyperlinked. Simply hover over the passage or click Morning/Evening Reading (email version).
Morning Readings:
Pray Psalm 62 | Read Philippians 2
- Praying the Psalms: Read slowly. Take note of words and phrases. Bring them before the Lord in prayer and personalize the passage as you pray.
- NT Context: “This is Paul’s happiest letter. And the happiness is infectious. Before we’ve read a dozen lines, we begin to feel the joy ourselves—the dance of words and the exclamations of delight have a way of getting inside us. This letter guides Christians on how to honor each other as they endure overwhelming circumstances. Meditate on the passage, noting a few words or a phrase that stood out. Take them to God in prayer.
Evening Readings:
Pray Psalm 63 | Read Deuteronomy 25
- OT Context: “The book of Deuteronomy is organized as a series of addresses given by Moses to the people of Israel in the land of Moab, where they had stopped at the end of the long wilderness journey and were about to enter and occupy Canaan…The great theme of the book is that God has saved and blessed his chosen people, whom he loves; so his people are to remember this, and love and obey him, so that they may have life and continued blessing. The key verses of the book are 6:4–6, and contain the words that Jesus called the greatest of all commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”Reflect on the passage. Who was the original audience, and what was their situation? How is that relevant to you today?
Sermon Devo
It’s Holy Week and we are encouraging everyone at Oak Pointe Milford to spend some time this week preparing for Easter using this devotional from Dwell Bible App.
Dwell Bible Holy Week Devotional
Evening Prayer of Examen
- Where did you move with or feel close to Jesus today?
- Where did you resist or feel far from Jesus today?
- Where is Jesus leading you tomorrow? Ask for joy as you follow him.
Benediction
After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:12)