The First Sunday in Lent – Lenten Devotion – Sunday, February 22, 2026
Worship This Morning - 9:30 a.m.
"Father, Forgive Them"
Join us in-person or on YouTube!
“Father, Forgive Them”
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
Manley
Spirit
Spirit of gentleness
Blow through the wilderness
Calling and free
Spirit
Spirit of restlessness
Stir me from placidness
Wind wind on the sea
You swept through the desert
You stung with the sand
And you goaded your people
With a law and a land
And when they were blinded
With idols and lies
Then you spoke through the prophets
To open their eyes
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
This first full week of Lent, we will reflect on Christ's words from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!" Often in the wilderness, temptation leads to sin, straying leads to sin, losing our way leads to sin, even when we know what we do, most certainly when we know not what we do.
Who do you call on when you feel lost in the wilderness, tempted, when Satan approaches, when you are beaten, so beaten one more day will break you? As you search for hope and direction, trust the power and renewal in these seven words: "Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness."
As we look to Jesus being led into the wilderness, do not read these verses too quickly. Take note who drove Jesus into the wilderness to let Satan know, Satan was powerless; The Spirit! Trust whatever wilderness you face each day, whatever wilderness you will encounter in the week ahead, The Spirit of gentleness, blows through the wilderness.
Let us pray: Lord, from the wilderness, in the midst of all I know not what I do, I call on you. Hear me say the words: Spirit of gentleness, blow through my wilderness, forgive me, and set me free. By Your Spirit stirring me from placidness, I trust you are already with me. With you in my presence, driving me, leading me, I am renewed; I can make it through any wilderness. In the gentleness of your name, I pray. Amen.
