Lenten Theme Hymn: "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say," ELW 332
Devotion
1I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest;
lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting-place,
and he has made me glad.
2I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
3I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk
till trav'ling days are done.
Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808-89 (Public Domain)
Our theme hymn for this Lenten season, "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say," is an invitation. Jesus says to you today: "Come and rest your weary self. Come and find refreshment for your body and soul. Come, follow me." This invitation from our Lord is not just for the world—it is for you, exactly as you are. Jesus is inviting you, right now, to put down your burdens and to come and rest, to come and drink deeply of the good, fresh water of the Spirit, and to follow where his light would lead you, one brave step at a time.
Take a moment today to lean into this good news: You are not alone. Your struggles are not unseen. You (yes, you) are beloved of God, who shines the light of life onto your path. Be not afraid, beloved. Step forth in good courage!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I turn my ears, my eyes, my heart to you now. Let me recognize my own name spoken in your voice. Oh God, give me the rest, the refreshment, the light that I long for. In Jesus' name. Amen.