Thought for Friday April 1

I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.

“Unseen, I answered you in thunder;

I tested you at the waters of Meribah.

Hear, my people, and I will admonish you;

O Israel, will you not hear me?”

I am the Lord your God: hear my voice.

Luke 12: 28 – 34 “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.

Do I love God this much? How do I express my love for God?

Action: Find a way to tell God how much you love him this weekend.

Thought for Thursday March 31

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;

let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Luke 11: 14 – 23 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowds were amazed.

Do I ever wish the “demon” in me were mute? Do I use the power of speech responsibly?

Action: Say something nice to 10 different people today – in person.

Thought for Wednesday March 30

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;

praise your God, O Zion.

For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;

he has blessed your children within you.

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

Matthew 5: 17 – 19 Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place.


What is the difference between civil laws and God’s law? What is/ should be the purpose of law?


Action: Pick a law, any law (biblical, criminal, institutional) and ask what its real purpose is and what values it upholds and think about how you uphold those same values in everything you do.

Thought for Tuesday March 29

Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Remember that your compassion, O LORD,

and your kindness are from of old.

In your kindness remember me,

because of your goodness, O LORD.

Remember your mercies, O Lord.

Matthew 18: 21 – 35 Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him?”

Do I have a limit on how much I will forgive? Is forgiving the same as forgetting?

Action: Forgive someone who has done something to you even if he/she hasn’t asked for forgiveness.

Thought for Monday March 28

Athirst is my soul for the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?

As the hind longs for the running waters,

so my soul longs for you, O God.

Athirst is my soul for the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?

Luke 4: 24 – 30 Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.

Do I ever feel overwhelmed seeing how many people need help? Who do I feel I have been sent to help and can help?

Action: Focus some effort on one person you know you can help, even if it is with something small.

Thought for Friday March 25

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;

your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;

I have made no secret of your kindness and your truth

in the vast assembly.

Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

Luke 1: 26 – 38 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”


Do I appreciate the significance of Mary first learning she is pregnant? Does it help me to think about all of Jesus’ life while preparing to celebrate his death and resurrection?


Action: Pick out one gift you want to give next Christmas.

Thought for Thursday March 24

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not

the counsel of the wicked

Nor walks in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the company of the insolent,

But delights in the law of the LORD

and meditates on his law day and night.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

 Luke 16: 19 – 31 If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.

Do I read the Bible with the intent of making changes in my life? What does it take to get me to change?

Action: Make a list of the last 3 changes in your life that were inspired by reflection on scripture.

Thought for Wednesday March 23

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

You will free me from the snare they set for me,

for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;

you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

Matthew 20: 17 – 28 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something.


What did my parents want for me? What do I want Jesus to do for my children (or Godchildren or nieces, nephews, cousins, etc)?


Action: Do something good for somebody’s kid today.

Thought for Tuesday March 22

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?

Or do you think that I am like yourself?

I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.

He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;

and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”

To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Matthew 23: 1 – 12 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.


Do I put burdens on other people? Do I carry my fair share of the load?


Action: Help out with something that “isn’t your job.”

Thought for Monday March 21

Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Help us, O God our savior,

because of the glory of your name;

Deliver us and pardon our sins

for your name's sake.

Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.

Luke 6: 36 – 38 Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.


Is this a message that really needs to be heard in my society? Is this a message I really need to take to heart?


Action: The next time you encounter someone being unjustly judged or condemned, speak up.

Thought for Friday March 18

If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

I trust in the LORD;

my soul trusts in his word.

My soul waits for the LORD

more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

Let Israel wait for the LORD.

If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?

Matthew 5: 20 – 26 You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment,

How common is anger in my society? Does it sometimes seem like people are trying to make me mad to further their own agendas?

Action: The next time you read something that makes you angry, find something positive in the situation to help you defuse your anger.

Thought for Thursday March 17

Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Because of your kindness and your truth;

for you have made great above all things

your name and your promise.

When I called, you answered me;

you built up strength within me.

Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Matthew 7: 7 – 12 “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”


Does this really cover everything in the Old Testament? How do I want to be treated?


Action: It is St. Patrick’s Day; wear some green and read his prayer.




I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through the belief in the threeness,
Through the confession of the oneness
Of the Creator of Creation.

I arise today
Through the strength of Christ's birth with his baptism,
Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial,
Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension,
Through the strength of his descent for the Judgment Day.

I arise today
Through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
In obedience of angels,
In the service of archangels,
In hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
In prayers of patriarchs,
In predictions of prophets,
In preaching of apostles,
In faith of confessors,
In innocence of holy virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of demons,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.

I summon today all these powers between me and those evils,
Against every cruel merciless power that may oppose my body and soul,
Against incantations of false prophets,
Against black laws of pagandom
Against false laws of heretics,
Against craft of idolatry,
Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.

Christ to shield me today
Against poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against wounding,
So that there may come to me abundance of reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the threeness,
Through confession of the oneness,
Of the Creator of Creation

Thought for Wednesday March 16

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

A clean heart create for me, O God,

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence,

and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Luke 11: 29 – 32 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.


Is my generation evil? What does it seek?


Action: Try giving up one evil thing from your generation or embrace one good thing from it.

Thought for Tuesday March 15

From all their distress God rescues the just.

Glorify the LORD with me,

let us together extol his name.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me

and delivered me from all my fears.

From all their distress God rescues the just.

Isaiah 55: 10 – 11 Thus says the LORD: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.


Is God’s word helping me bear fruit? Do I ever try to return his word void?


Action: Make a conscious effort to let God’s word work in and through you to bring forth some good.

Thought for Monday March 14

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart

find favor before you,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

Matthew 25: 31 – 46 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.

Do I practice these as an active part of my faith? Do I think of these as “religious” practices?

Action: I think its pretty obvious.

Thought for Friday March 11

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices;

should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;

a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.

Matthew 9: 14 – 15 The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Do I fast and abstain? If so, does it help me appreciate Jesus?

Action: Pick 3 times during the day and try to imagine what you would be doing different at each of those moments if Jesus were not in your life.

Thought for Thursday March 10

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

He is like a tree

planted near running water,

That yields its fruit in due season,

and whose leaves never fade.

Whatever he does, prospers.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

Luke 9: 22 – 25 Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

How do I feel about my daily cross? What helps me do the hard, everyday things I have to do?

Action: Do something nice for someone who has helped you with your daily burdens.

Thought for Ash Wednesday March 9

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,

and a willing spirit sustain in me.

O Lord, open my lips,

and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.

2 Corinthians 5: 20 – 6:2 Brothers and sisters: We are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us.

Do I accept my role as an ambassador for Christ? Is there someone else for whom I would rather be an ambassador?

Action: Answer like an ambassador if someone asks you about the ashes on your head today.

Thought for Tuesday March 8

The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Lavishly he gives to the poor;

his generosity shall endure forever;

his horn shall be exalted in glory.

The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.

Mark 12: 13 – 17 So Jesus said to them, "Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God."

Do I ever get confused about the role of civil and Church authorities? Have I ever seen those authorities confuse their roles?

Action: The next time you hear of an argument or debate that involves both religious and civil dimensions, try to analyze the situation from both points of view and then look for the common ground.

Thought for Monday March 7

Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

His generosity shall endure forever.

Light shines through the darkness for the upright;

he is gracious and merciful and just.

Blessed the man who fears the Lord.

Tobit 1: 3;2: 1 – 8 I, Tobit, have walked all the days of my life on the paths of truth and righteousness. I performed many charitable works for my kinsmen and my people who had been deported with me to Nineveh, in Assyria.


Have I walked the paths of truth and righteousness? What have I done for others?


Action: Do something this week that you would be proud to mention in your autobiography.

Thought for Friday March 4

The Lord takes delight in his people.

Let them praise his name in the festive dance,

let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.

For the LORD loves his people,

and he adorns the lowly with victory.

The Lord takes delight in his people.

Mark 11: 11 – 26 They came to Jerusalem, and on entering the temple area he began to drive out those selling and buying there.


What do I go to church to do? Does my church foster worship or are there things that distract me?


Action: Walk into church this weekend ready to worship and don’t let anything distract you.

Thought for Thursday March 3

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made;

by the breath of his mouth all their host.

He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask;

in cellars he confines the deep.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

Mark 10: 46 – 52 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.


Why does following Jesus require courage? Do I have the courage to answer Jesus’ call?


Action: Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.

Thought for Wednesday March 2

Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

Help us, O God our savior,

because of the glory of your name;

Deliver us and pardon our sins

for your name’s sake.

Show us, O Lord, the light of your kindness.

Mark 10: 32 – 45 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

Do I think I am a better judge of what is best for me than Jesus is? Do I try to control what I get form Jesus?

Action: Ask Jesus to do what is best for you.