Introduction

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.  But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:22-32

This is one of my favorite passages to read when anxious or needing reminded of the Lord’s love. Sometimes, it is one of God’s favorite passages to have me read when I am throwing a fit or forgetting of the Lord’s love. It can also be found in Matthew 6:25. There are so many beautiful truths in this passage about how God views us. God knows we will encounter troubles, but yet he tells us to not lose heart because He alone has overcome this world! He values us more than the birds of the air and is preparing a place in Heaven for us all! He loves us so much that he made that journey to the cross to die for us so that we could have our place in His kingdom.

Adoration

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
you cover him with favor as with a shield. – Psalm 5:11-12

Oh father God, may we sing for joy today at your unfailing love for us! May we always rejoice in your sacrificial love! You are holy and majestic, Father, and we are so undeserving! Thank you for endlessly loving and providing for us!  Amen.

Confession

“O Father, we are gathered before you, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, whose chosen dwelling place is with the broken and contrite, to confess that we have sinned in thought and word and deed; we have not loved you with all our heart and soul, we have not loved you with all our mind and strength; we have not even loved our neighbor as ourselves. In your mercy, deepen our sorrow for the wrong we have done and for the good we have left undone, so that we may hate our sin with a holy hatred. But, please Father, do not leave us in sorrow. With you, O Lord, there is forgiveness. In your mercy, restore the joy of our salvation; so that we may love you with a holy love. Amen. ” – Missio Dei Confessional.

Thanksgiving

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. –1 John 3:1-2

Father God, thank you for adopting us as children. We are so undeserving, Lord. Thank you for dying for us. Thank you for the endless love and compassion you show to us each day. Thank you for shielding us in your love, providing a refuge for us in our time of need. Thank you for loving us all of our days! Thank you for Holy week. Draw us closer to you this week as we remember all you did for us! We love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Supplication

Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be a light for the community, that the church shares the love of God to the ends of the earth. Pray that the local church becomes a new home for many this Easter Sunday! Pray that those within the church who are sick stay healthy. Pray for our church members who are hurting during this season in life that they are able to find comfort in your arms.

Community

Pray for your community, that the lost are found and the found grow closer to the Lord. Pray that kindness between community members reign supreme and that peacemakers step forth to be a light for Christ in the everyday battles of darkness. Pray for finances throughout the community and those that hurt.

World
Pray for the Ukraine/Russia Conflict. Pray for softening of hearts, persevering of the saints, provisions and safety of civilians, God’s glory to be shown throughout the war. Pray that as tensions continue to grow, that communication would strengthen and compromises would be made. Pray that those displaced can return home soon. Pray for the financial consequences of war on society that God continues to meets the needs of His people. Pray for those who are hurting internationally and nationally. Pray for the missionaries carrying out the message of God. Pray for the violence in Israel to be stopped.