Day-20-Lenten-Reflection.docx

 

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🕊️ LENTEN DEVOTION – DAY 20 🕊

💎 Monday – Third Week of Lent. 💎

 

💔 A Shelter for the Troubled Soul 💔

 

Jesus celebrated women: He expressed the great faith women have through the Samaritan woman by the well; the Syrophoenician (non-Jewish, Canaanite) woman; the woman with the issue of blood; Martha… The count goes on. These women are notable figures in the New Testament who, despite being unnamed, represent key themes of faith, inclusion, and the revolutionary nature of Jesus’ ministry. They were often considered social, religious, or ethnic outcasts, yet they were praised by Jesus for their faith or were the beneficiaries of his direct attention.  Thank God, we celebrated WOMEN’s International Day, yesterday. Let us not cease to celebrate our women, following Christ Jesus who never looked down on them! Their gender gave birth to us, and never gave up while earthly trouble lasts.

 

Today, we lean into the ancient and eternal truth: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. In Psalm 46:1-3 (NKJV), the psalmist declares, *_“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth is removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”_* Lent invites us to anchor our hearts in this secure foundation, not in the shifting sands of circumstance.

 

In a nation facing security challenges, economic pressures, and social uncertainties, individuals and communities often feel exposed. A family displaced by violence, a market trader navigating volatility, a church member facing health worries, women wailing at the downturn of events for their children and wards—these experiences test our sense of safety. Yet, when we run to God as our sanctuary, we find a steady presence that steadies our steps, steadies our breath, wipes our mothers’ tears, and steadies our hope. Practical trust becomes visible in prayerful vigilance, wise planning, and compassionate service that protects the vulnerable.

 

*Reflection:* Where is your shelter when chaos rises? Do you run to God as first refuge or default to anxious self-reliance? Lent invites us to cultivate a daily posture of trust: pouring out our fears to the One who holds the world, and then walking courageously in that confidence, even when the path is uncertain.

 

Today’s practice invites a concrete rhythm: set aside time for refuge-focused scriptures, prayers for mothers, our world’s safety, peaceful resolution to wars around internation boundaries, and prayers for divine protection over families, churches, and communities. Let faith translate into wise actions—neighbourly care, crime-prevention prayer, and support for those most at risk. In this, we model a faith that does not turn away from danger but prays and acts in partnership with God for the common good.

 

🙏 *LITURGICAL PRAYER* 🙏

 

*_O God, our refuge and our strength,_* in You we find cover from fear and shelter from storms. Draw near in the midst of trouble, steady our hearts, and grant courage to act with wisdom and compassion. May Your protection extend over our families, churches, and communities in Africa and beyond, and may Your grace sustain us when the world seems to tremble through the Russia-Ukraine War, and the recent Iran vs US-Israel War. Resolve these impasses and vindicate the just, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. *(Psalm 46:1-3 NKJV)*

 

*Prayer for daily reliance on God’s protection:* Father, teach me to lean into Your security in every moment—at work, in travel, in Your ministry, and in every decision. May I experience Your presence as a shield and a song in the night, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. *(Psalm 4:8; Psalm 91 NKJV)*

 

*Intercession for Nigeria’s safety and justice:* Lord, pass through Nigeria and put a stop to these insurgency, kidnapping, banditry and violence pervading the land to safeguard the vulnerable; strengthen security forces while upholding justice and human dignity. Inspire leaders and communities to pursue peace, reconciliation, and the protection of life and property by giving a godly leadership, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. *(Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 21:21 NKJV)*

 

*Closing blessing: _May the God of all comfort_* be your fortress this day and always; may your heart rejoice in Christ’s living peace. Amen.

*(2 Thessalonians 3:16; John 14:27 NKJV)*

 

🕊️ *_“God is our refuge and strength.”_ – Psalm 46:1* (NKJV) 🕊️

 

 

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