FROM THE PASTOR
“Is Not This the Fast That I Choose?”: A New Lenten Devotional
Lent is a season of deep reflection—a time to walk with Jesus toward the cross, to open our hearts to God’s presence, and to seek justice and renewal in our lives and in the world. This year, as we enter this sacred time, we invite you to engage with a powerful new Lenten devotional resource: Sumud: A Lenten Journey of Hope and Resilience.
Sumud—an Arabic word meaning “steadfastness” or “perseverance”—is a fitting theme for our Lenten journey, calling us to hold fast to faith and hope in the face of hardship. This devotional, created by the ELCA’s Publicly Engaged Church, invites us to reflect on Scripture alongside the lived experiences of Palestinian Christians, whose witness of faithfulness in the midst of struggle offers a profound and timely perspective for our own spiritual journey.
Why This Devotional? Why Now?
In a world too often marked by division, conflict, and suffering, the call to walk alongside those who endure hardship is as urgent as ever. The Sumud devotional provides a meaningful way for us to:
- Deepen Our Lenten Reflection – Each week, we will hear voices from the Holy Land alongside scriptural meditations, helping us to see the intersections of faith, justice, and perseverance in new ways.
- Pray in Solidarity – As we journey with Jesus to the cross, we are reminded of our call to stand with those who suffer today, lifting them up in prayer and action.
- Open Our Hearts to Global Witness – The church is bigger than any one place. Engaging with the faith of Palestinian Christians broadens our understanding of what it means to be part of the body of Christ.
As we prepare for Lent, I encourage you to download this devotional, use it for your personal reflection, or incorporate it into small group discussions. Let’s allow this season to deepen our faith, strengthen our commitment to justice, and remind us of the hope that never fails.
Explore the Sumud Lenten Devotional here: ELCA Sumud Lenten Series 2025
- Week 1: Sumud: the Way of Jesus
- Week 2: Good News of Great Joy for All People
- Week 3: Belovedness in the Wilderness
- Week 4: A Counter-Cultural Message
- Week 5: Things That Make Peace
- Week 6: Journey to the Cross
May this Lent be a time of steadfast faith, renewed hope, and deepened love for God and our neighbors.
Peace,
Pastor Kyle
