Welcome to this season of Lent.

Lent is a season of repentance, reflection, and renewal in preparation for Easter that has been observed by Christians from the earliest times. Lasting forty days (excluding Sundays), it echoes Jesus’ forty days of fasting in the wilderness, a time of testing and dependence on the Father. The Church has long observed this season with fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—not as a means to earn favor with God, but as a way to turn from worldly distractions and fix our eyes on Christ. 

For Lutherans, Lent is not about self-denial for its own sake, nor is it a time to prove our devotion through works. Rather, it is a season to deepen our awareness of our sin and, even more, of our Savior. It calls us to repentance, not in despair but in hope—clinging to the cross where our sins are paid in full. We journey through Lent with hearts broken by the Law but healed by the Gospel, knowing that our fasting and prayer do not make us more righteous. All righteousness has been gifted to us by Jesus Christ. 

Ultimately, Lent leads us to the foot of the cross and the empty tomb. It is a time to remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return—yet in Christ, we are given life that death cannot hold.

Use these brief Lenten devotions daily as we contemplate Psalm 23 together this Lent.

Praying for a blessed Lent for you,

Monday, March 10, 2025

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

John 10:11 – "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

"The Shepherd knows His sheep. He calls them by name, and they know His voice." – Augustine of Hippo 

Reflection: As we begin this Lenten journey, Psalm 23:1 reminds us that we are under the care of a Shepherd who lacks nothing and provides everything we need. Jesus, in John 10:11, reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd who sacrifices His life for us, His sheep. Augustine’s words echo this intimate relationship—our Shepherd knows us personally, calling us by name into His fold. In a world that tempts us to want more—more security, more status, more stuff—Jesus offers Himself as the ultimate provision, laying down His life so we might live. What does it mean to trust this Shepherd who gave everything for you? 

My Thoughts and Observations:

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, thank You for laying down Your life for me. Help me to hear Your voice and trust that in You, I lack nothing. Guide me this day to rest in Your provision. Amen. 

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Isaiah 40:11 – "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

"God tends His flock with the gentleness of a shepherd and the strength of a king." – Martin Luther 

Reflection: The image of God as a shepherd in Isaiah 40:11 is tender and powerful—gathering lambs, carrying them close, and leading with care. Paired with Psalm 23:1, we see a God who not only meets our needs but does so with compassion. Martin Luther captures this duality: our Shepherd is gentle yet mighty. In Lent, we’re invited to reflect on our weaknesses, yet here we find a Shepherd who doesn’t scold us for wandering but carries us back to safety. How might you allow yourself to be gathered into His arms today? 

My Thoughts and Observations:

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, my Shepherd, thank You for Your gentle care. Carry me close when I am weak, and lead me with Your strength. Teach me to trust Your tenderness. Amen. 

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Ezekiel 34:12 – "As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."

"God never abandons His own, but seeks them with a love that will not let go." – Charles Spurgeon 

Reflection: Ezekiel 34:12 paints a vivid picture of a Shepherd who pursues His scattered flock, even in the darkest times. This promise ties beautifully to Psalm 23:1—because the Lord is our Shepherd, we are never truly lost, no matter how far we stray. Charles Spurgeon’s words remind us of God’s relentless love, a love that searches us out when clouds of doubt or sin obscure our way. In this Lenten season, consider the ways you’ve felt scattered—how does it change your thoughts, your feelings, and your life to know your Shepherd is seeking you still? 

My Thoughts and Observations:

 

Prayer: Lord, my faithful Shepherd, thank You for seeking me when I’m lost. Rescue me from the darkness and draw me back to Your care. May I rest in Your unfailing love. Amen. 

Thursday, March 13, 2025

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Hebrews 13:20-21 – "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

"The Shepherd who died for us lives to lead us." – C.S. Lewis 

Reflection: Hebrews 13:20-21 celebrates Jesus as the Great Shepherd, risen from the dead to equip us for His will. Psalm 23:1 assures us that this Shepherd’s care leaves no void—He provides not just survival, but purpose. C.S. Lewis points to the paradox of Lent: our Shepherd’s death secures our life, and His resurrection empowers—joyfully compels—our obedience. Today, reflect on how the Shepherd who conquered death is working in you. What good might He be equipping you to do in His name? 

My Thoughts and Observations:

 

Prayer: Great Shepherd, risen Lord, thank You for equipping me through Your victory. Work in me what pleases You, and lead me to do Your will. Glory be to You forever. Amen. 

Friday, March 14, 2025

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

1 Peter 2:25 – "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

"We are all prone to wander, but the Shepherd’s staff is never far." – John Calvin 

Reflection: 1 Peter 2:25 acknowledges our tendency to stray, yet it rejoices in our return to the Shepherd who oversees our souls. Psalm 23:1 becomes a lifeline here—because He is our Shepherd need not be in want in any way. John Calvin’s image of the Shepherd’s staff reminds us of His persistent guidance, gently pulling us back. During Lent, we confront our straying hearts—where have you wandered, and how has the Shepherd called you home? Are you wandering right now and is Jesus calling you home in some way?

My Thoughts and Observations:

 

Prayer: Shepherd of my soul, forgive my wandering ways. Thank You for drawing me back with Your staff. Oversee my heart and keep me close to You. Amen. 

Saturday, March 15, 2025

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

John 10:27-28 – "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

"The Shepherd’s voice is the sweetest sound to the sheep who know Him." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Reflection: John 10:27-28 offers unshakable assurance: the Shepherd’s sheep are known, loved, and secure forever. Psalm 23:1 takes on eternal weight here—our lack of want extends beyond this life into eternity. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s words invite us to listen for that sweet voice amidst Lent’s somber tones. As we near the cross, consider the promise that no one can snatch you from His hand. Thing of the challenges you face today. How does John 10:27-28 guide the way you think about them and your attitude toward them? 

My Thoughts and Observations:

 

Prayer: Jesus, my Shepherd, thank You for knowing me and giving me eternal life. Tune my ears to Your voice and hold me fast in Your hand. Lead me safely home. Amen.