NOT about hand washing!


Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong!
–Anna Bartlett Warner


With all the news and hysteria lately about that virus and the flu, folks have suddenly rediscovered ways to be sure they wash their hands correctly. (Did you know? Sing “Jesus Loves Me,” with the refrain, while you wash, and you’ve hit thirty seconds.) Hand sanitizer is flying off the shelves; sadly, people are becoming fearful of one another.

All because of a few germs we can do things to prevent spreading.

What about your heart? How pure and clean is it lately? And what are you doing, especially during Lent, to make or keep it that way?

What new practice have you undertaken to bring your focus to God? Do you have someone you might consider a prayer partner, who can help you be accountable for your practices?

Where are you finding God at work in your life, every day?

When was the last time you sat down with your Bible and let God speak through the words of the ancients?

It just might be that focusing on how much Jesus loves me while washing my hands is the best Lenten practice ever. Amen?


Monday After his baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, where he faced forty days of temptation. Where do you face temptation in your life? Pray to be led by the Spirit. Matthew 4:1-11

Tuesday Do you have a spiritual mentor, someone to whom you can turn when your soul is troubled? Give thanks for their presence in your life. (Send a note of appreciation.) Genesis 12:1-4a

Wednesday To whom do you serve as a spiritual guide? (You do, you know.) Pause and reflect for a moment; pray for your relationship with that person. Psalm 121

Thursday Pray today for spiritual leaders, both professional and lay. Ask the Lord to protect and keep them as they lead. Romans 4:1-5

Friday Today, make opportunities to be deliberately kind to someone you might otherwise not engage. Whether you offer a smile or a cup of coffee, be Jesus. Top off another’s spiritual tank. Romans 4:13-17

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, allow God to affirm the unique creation that is you. Name a few qualities that make you, you. John 3:1-8

Sunday, As we gather again for worship, focus your gaze upward—literally and spiritually. Absorb the beauty of sight, sound and Children of God in your unique corner of Creation. John 3:8-17

God is looking for clean hands and a pure heart. –Monica Johnson

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