Footprints.

One way to define spiritual life is getting so tired and fed up with yourself you go on to something better, which is following Jesus. –Eugene H. Peterson


I’m sure you are familiar with the popular poem about walking along the beach with Jesus, and seeing two sets of footprints in the sand, but only one set during the really difficult challenges of life. And when questioned, Jesus replies My child, it was then that I carried you. It’s a comforting image, especially when one is having a lousy day or two.

But if you think about it, if we are truly seeking to be disciples of the Christ, there should always be only one set of footprints.

And the tracks we see should be those of Jesus.

Imagine a fresh snowfall in the woods. It’s pretty deep, and you haven’t got your snow boots. Someone has gone ahead of you—just one brave soul who knows the way—and left clear tracks for you to follow if you choose. It’s a good path, so you step gingerly into the first boot print, then the next, and the next, feeling no need to blaze a fresh trail when this one is going right where we decide want to go.

At some point, we see other ways, other tracks we could follow. They tempt us, but the tracks aren’t as clear. Or maybe the new path is deep or muddy in spots, or fraught with brambles, leaving us questioning why we ever felt the need to go that way in the first place. So back we go, to the original way we were shown and taught. Back to the clear path Jesus himself describes as the Way (John 14:6).

One set of tracks, belonging to Jesus. Are you following in Christ’s footsteps this Lenten season?

Monday Begin each day’s prayer time with a moment of deep breathing and silence. Pray today for the leadership and residents of your community, that peace and community would prevail. Isaiah 2:2-5

Tuesday Pray today for the unrest and violence in Afghanistan. Pray for the leaders, religious and secular, that peace would prevail. Pray, as well, for our troops. Psalm 34:6-7

Wednesday Today, allow your prayers to turn to the ancient conflict in the Middle East/ Gaza/ Israel region. Listen to understand and respect the side you do not agree with, if possible. Rest. James 3:17-18

Thursday Spend time today praying for the many ways we fail at loving one another. Ask God to guide your heart as you pray. Galatians 5:22-23

Friday Pray today for the many areas of unrest and conflict, as well as human/ gender rights issues, on the continent of Africa. Pray for Christ’s Church in Africa, as well. Matthew 7:3-5

Saturday As you pray today for yourself, spend a longer time in silence. If you find thoughts intruding, don’t ignore them; allow yourself to focus on them, then release them and resume silence. Allow the Spirit of the Christ to lead your response. Micah 6:8

Sunday Pray today that this congregation continue to find ways to provide leadership in the greater Cleveland community. Remember—we are all called to minister to one another. John 17:20-23


Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World. –Christopher Columbus

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