This fall, Bethany's Confirmation class has been exploring the major themes of the Bible and reflecting on stories that reveal the larger story God is telling through scripture. These devotionals follow that same path, inviting you to pause, reflect, and discover how each theme connects to your own journey of faith.
Egypt | Suffering | Friday
While they suffered in Egypt, the Israelites continued to call to God for help, healing, and liberation. And God heard their call. In the same way, God saw the pain and suffering present in the world and so God sent Jesus to bring healing, forgiveness, and new life. As Father Richard Rohr notes, Jesus’ life and crucifixion reveal to us something new about the way God understands the suffering in the world:
"I believe that we are invited to gaze upon the image of the crucified Jesus to soften our hearts toward all suffering, to help us see how we ourselves have been ‘bitten’ by hatred and violence, and to know that God’s heart has always been softened toward us. In turning our gaze to this divine truth — In dropping our many modes of scapegoating and self-justification — we gain compassion toward ourselves and all others who suffer."
- Richard Rohr
Today, we invite you to reflect on all the ways that Jesus knows the depth of your despair and suffering through The Jesus Prayer. This ancient prayer has been said by Christians for thousands of years. It is a short prayer meant to be said many times. These are the words:
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Simply recite the prayer again and again, as many times as you need to create a quiet and peaceful place in your heart for Jesus to enter in again. As you repeat the prayer remember: Jesus forgives you and God has compassion for your suffering.
Egypt | Suffering | Friday
While they suffered in Egypt, the Israelites continued to call to God for help, healing, and liberation. And God heard their call. In the same way, God saw the pain and suffering present in the world and so God sent Jesus to bring healing, forgiveness, and new life. As Father Richard Rohr notes, Jesus’ life and crucifixion reveal to us something new about the way God understands the suffering in the world:
"I believe that we are invited to gaze upon the image of the crucified Jesus to soften our hearts toward all suffering, to help us see how we ourselves have been ‘bitten’ by hatred and violence, and to know that God’s heart has always been softened toward us. In turning our gaze to this divine truth — In dropping our many modes of scapegoating and self-justification — we gain compassion toward ourselves and all others who suffer."
- Richard Rohr
Today, we invite you to reflect on all the ways that Jesus knows the depth of your despair and suffering through The Jesus Prayer. This ancient prayer has been said by Christians for thousands of years. It is a short prayer meant to be said many times. These are the words:
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Simply recite the prayer again and again, as many times as you need to create a quiet and peaceful place in your heart for Jesus to enter in again. As you repeat the prayer remember: Jesus forgives you and God has compassion for your suffering.
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2025
January
February
Zombie ChurchFundamentalsFeasts & BanquetsAcademics & FaithShattering Our ExpectationsJesus didn't really mean that, right? Sacred Discomfort: How God Speaks in Uncomfortable MomentsThe Spirit IntercedesHappy Birthday JesusChristmas in JulyJoy in ListeningHope in the Midst of DoubtThe Gift of PresenceI'm too...Daily Bread and MindfulnessA Thousand Years is like a DaySacred Interruptions: How God Speaks Through Life's Detours
March
The Life was The Light of All PeopleWaiting PatientlyUnseenCreator God, I pray for the earth...God, I want to be better at...Holy Spirit, Help me UnderstandGod, Grant Me Patience WithThe Gospel of John - Guidance for LifeJesus Christ, Forgive Me ForThe Book of 1st Samuel - Trust During the BattlesGod of the Oppressed, protect those who are vulnerableEnduring Lord, I hope forPrince of Peace, Calm my Mind When...God, I wonder aboutThe Book of Hebrews - The Grand Story of SalvationBlessed Jesus, help me to let go ofHoly Jesus, we pray for your church
April
Preserving Lord, save me fromAwesome God, I am amazed byThe Joy of LentThe Book of 2nd Samuel - God's Redemptive PowerCompassionate God, I Weep ForThe Book of Acts - Being the ChurchPalm Sunday Spoken WordGenerous God, open my eyes to see...God, I needCursing the Fig Tree Spoken WordMaundy Thursday Spoken WordGood Friday Spoken WordThe Book of 1st Kings - Wisdom and DivisionHoly Saturday Spoken WordSing - Practice ResurrectionClean - Practice ResurrectionDo a Good Deed - Practice ResurrectionGrieve - Practice ResurrectionGive Thanks - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of Romans - The Saving Work of GodLive BoldlyPlant - Practice ResurrectionForgive Yourself - Practice ResurrectionCare for a friend - Practice Resurrection
May
Enjoy a Good Meal - Practice ResurrectionListen to Music - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Kings - Hope in ExileWorship - Practice ResurrectionAppreciate Art - Practice ResurrectionLaughter HelpsDrink Water - Practice ResurrectionWatch a Sunset - Practice ResurrectionStretch - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Corinthians - Hope in the TurmoilThe Lord is My ShepherdBreathe - Practice ResurrectionRead - Practice ResurrectionCreate - Practice ResurrectionWalk or Run - Practice ResurrectionCall a Friend - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 1st Chronicles - God's Presence in HistoryLove in ActionFor Aging GracefullyForgive - Practice ResurrectionLearn - Practice ResurrectionWash - Practice ResurrectionExplore - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Corinthians - The Importance of ReconciliationGod Our ParentAdvocate - Practice ResurrectionLight a Candle - Practice ResurrectionTaste - Practice ResurrectionTake a Nap - Practice ResurrectionDonate - Practice ResurrectionThe Book of 2nd Chronicles - Consequences of Unfaithfulness
June
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