Lent 3 – Week of March 8th, 2026

Sunday, March 8, 2026
Readings: Exodus 17:1–7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1–11; John 4:5–42

Reflection
In the wilderness, the people of Israel are thirsty and afraid. Their need exposes their vulnerability, and they question whether God is truly with them. Yet God responds with life-giving water from an unexpected place. At the well in Samaria, Jesus meets a woman whose life is shaped by longing, shame, and isolation. Instead of avoiding her, he engages her in honest conversation and offers living water that restores her dignity and purpose. Paul reminds us that even suffering can lead to hope, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts. Necessary suffering often begins with acknowledging our thirst—our need for healing, truth, and connection. When we stop avoiding these deeper needs and meet God honestly, even painful places can become sources of new life.

Question for Contemplation
Where might you be avoiding an honest encounter with your own need for healing, truth, or connection?

Prayer
Living God, meet me in my deepest thirst and lead me into the life and freedom you offer.

Intention for the Day
Name one need you have been avoiding, and bring it honestly before God in prayer or conversation with someone you trust.

Intention for the Day
Take one step forward in trust, even if the outcome is not yet clear.

Monday, March 9, 2026
Readings: Psalm 81; Genesis 24:1–27; 2 John 1:1–13

Reflection
In Genesis, a servant prays for guidance and remains attentive to how God might answer. When Rebekah appears and offers water, an ordinary act of kindness becomes a moment of divine direction. Psalm 81 reminds us that God longs for us to listen and trust rather than resist. The letter of 2 John encourages believers to walk in truth and love, grounding daily life in faithfulness. Often, the encounters that shape our lives come quietly through ordinary moments of generosity and attention. When we remain open and honest about our needs and hopes, God meets us through the people and circumstances we might otherwise overlook.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be meeting you through an ordinary interaction or unexpected kindness?

Prayer
Guiding God, help me remain attentive to your presence in the ordinary moments of my day.

Intention for the Day
Notice one simple interaction today and receive it as an opportunity for grace.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Readings: Psalm 81; Genesis 29:1–14; 1 Corinthians 10:1–4

Reflection
Jacob’s journey leads him to a well where an unexpected encounter changes the course of his life. What begins as a moment of travel and uncertainty becomes a meeting filled with recognition and possibility. Psalm 81 calls us to remember that God provides for us even when we feel lost or uncertain. Paul reminds the Corinthians that God sustained the Israelites with spiritual nourishment throughout their journey. Our deepest thirst is not only physical or emotional—it is spiritual. When we allow ourselves to be honest about that longing, we discover that God has been accompanying us all along.

Question for Contemplation
What deeper thirst within you is seeking attention and care?

Prayer
Sustaining God, help me recognize the deeper longings within me and trust you to nourish them.

Intention for the Day
Pause at one quiet moment today and acknowledge a deeper hope or need within your heart.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Readings: Psalm 81; Jeremiah 2:4–13; John 7:14–31, 37–39

Reflection
Jeremiah describes God’s sorrow over a people who have abandoned the “spring of living water” and turned instead to sources that cannot truly satisfy. In the temple, Jesus proclaims that anyone who thirsts should come to him and receive living water. Psalm 81 echoes the same longing—God desires a people who will listen and trust. Often we seek relief in habits or distractions that promise comfort but leave us empty. Necessary suffering includes the courage to recognize where we have turned away from the life that truly sustains us. When we return to God honestly, the living water of grace begins to flow again.

Question for Contemplation
Where might you be seeking satisfaction from something that cannot truly nourish your spirit?

Prayer
Living God, help me turn away from what leaves me empty and receive the life you offer.

Intention for the Day
Notice one habit or distraction that does not truly nourish you, and choose a healthier alternative.

Thursday, March 12, 2026
Readings: Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 15:10–21; Ephesians 4:25–32

Reflection
Saul struggles to acknowledge his failure, offering excuses instead of honesty. Yet Psalm 23 reminds us that God leads us beside still waters and restores our souls when we walk in truth. Paul encourages believers to live with honesty, compassion, and forgiveness, recognizing that our words and actions shape the community around us. Facing truth can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding it only deepens the distance between us and others. Necessary suffering sometimes means admitting when we have been wrong and allowing humility to guide us back to integrity and relationship.

Question for Contemplation
Where might honesty open the way to healing or restored trust?

Prayer
Shepherding God, give me the humility to face truth and the courage to live with integrity.

Intention for the Day
Practice honesty in a situation where it would be easier to avoid responsibility.

Friday, March 13, 2026
Readings: Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 15:22–31; Ephesians 5:1–9

Reflection
Samuel reminds Saul that obedience and trust matter more than outward displays of devotion. Psalm 23 speaks of a God who leads us along right paths for the sake of goodness and life. Paul invites believers to walk as children of light, reflecting love, truth, and wisdom in their daily lives. Faith is not merely about appearances or rituals—it is about the direction of the heart. Necessary suffering sometimes involves letting go of pride or self-justification so that we can follow God’s guidance more fully.

Question for Contemplation
What might it mean for you to walk more honestly in the light of God’s guidance?

Prayer
God of truth, lead me on paths that reflect your love and wisdom.

Intention for the Day
Choose one action today that reflects kindness, honesty, or generosity toward another person.

Saturday, March 14, 2026
Readings: Psalm 23; 1 Samuel 15:32–34; John 1:1–9

Reflection
John’s Gospel proclaims that the light of God has entered the world through Christ, illuminating truth and life for all people. Psalm 23 reminds us that even when we walk through dark valleys, we are not alone. The difficult moment in Samuel’s story reveals the consequences of choices that stray from God’s path. Yet the presence of divine light means that darkness never has the final word. Necessary suffering often reveals the places where we most need the guidance of God’s light. When we walk with Christ, even hard truths can lead toward renewal and hope.

Question for Contemplation
Where do you most need the light of truth and guidance in your life right now?

Prayer
Light of the world, shine into the hidden places of my life and guide me toward truth and renewal.

Intention for the Day
Seek one moment of quiet reflection today, inviting God’s light to guide your next step.