Introduction

The Journey to the cross is the reminder of the ultimate action God took to show us how much he loved us. For many, we memorize as kids John 3:16 and it becomes so much of our Christianese, that we lose sight of everything that verse truly means. God sent his one and only son to die for us because HE LOVES US! Let that sink in! Meditate on it today!

Often times, we are asked, “How can a God love you when there is so much bad all around us? How can we truly believe with so much evil in this world, that God is love?” Paul faced this. He was faced with persecution and leaders who were determined to destroy his belief in the love of Christ. Paul was able to say that although he was surrounded by death and sin, he had victory through Christ. He was able to sing:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?” – 1 Corinthinans 15:54-55

Jesus came to show us how much he loved us. Evil and death have plagued generations of Israelites, sinners, Disciples, Christians, Americans, you, and me. But God made a way for us. Jesus made a way for us out of his love for us. No matter how dark it may get at times, God’s love always shines through to us.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:37-39

Adoration

Father God, your everlasting love endures forever! Your powerful love reigns supreme on earth and in heaven! We worship you today. Your lovingkindness stretches to the heavens and flows throughout the earth. We praise you! “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Psalm 86:5) We love you, Lord.

Confession

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. -Psalm 51:1-12

Thanksgiving

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Oh Majestic Lord, we thank you for overcoming this world! We thank you that any tribulation we face here on earth, you are with us, beside us, fighting for us, filling us with peace and love. We thank you for the ultimate act of love in your sacrifice for us. We thank you that, while we were still sinners, you would, in an unimaginable act of love, die on a cross for us so that we can have an everlasting life full of your love. We thank you for your sacrificial love that fills us daily.

Supplication

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.
Wondrously show your steadfast love,
    O Savior of those who seek refuge
    from their adversaries at your right hand.

Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings, – Psalm 17:6-8

Family
Lift up your family requests. How can we pray for you today?

Local Church
Pray that your local church continues to be a light for the community. That the church shares and feel the love of God to the ends of the earth. Pray that those within the church in need of healing are healed

Community
Pray for your community, that the lost are found and the found grow closer to the Lord.

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 for the financial consequences of war on society that God continues to meets the needs ot His people.