Lent Day 5 – Lenten Devotion – Monday, February 23, 2026
“Seven Words: Simple, Powerful, Renewing Words in Grace Alone”
O Lord, Throughout These Forty Days
Hernaman & Doan
O Lord throughout these forty days
You prayed and kept the fast
Inspire repentance for our sin
And free us from our past
“My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.”
So you ask yourself, "Wait a minute. Was not Saturday Lent Day 4, would that not make yesterday Day 5, and today, Day 6, yet today is Lent Day 5. How is this so?" Even during Lent, Sundays are like "little Easters;" Sundays are not counted among the 40 days of Lent; they are celebrated with hope and truth.
God forever has used the number 40 to share with God's people times of searching, reflection, surrender, and discovery. Noah and his family faced rain for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses and the people wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses was on the mountain receiving the tablets, talking with God, for 40 days. Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness for 40 days. Even after the resurrection, The Risen Christ, walks with his disciples on earth for 40 days before he ascends into heaven.
"All good things come to those who wait." "Patience is a virtue." Being patient is not easy. God is the most patient of all. The Holy Spirit keeps us patient.
The gift of these forty days of Lent is while we wait to share the Easter celebration, as we wait for the glory of that final day more than watchmen for the morning; the grace of God tells us the wait is over. We need not wait to hear those words of simple power and renewal: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Our soul need not wait any longer. We have been freed from our past. Repentance has been inspired; grace breaks forth!
Let us pray: Jesus, today I tell you waiting for you and your triumphant return can make me impatient. While I watch for you, more than watchmen for the morning, my soul indeed waits. While I wait for these forty days to pass to lead me to the victory of the Risen Christ, give me a spirit that will not wait to trust I am forgiven, to trust I am free from my past, today. In your name I am renewed, and I pray while I wait for your next gift of grace. Amen.
