Pray. Act. Pray Again. A 40-Day Walk with God
Week 3: The Crowning with Thorns
Download the full Study Notes: https://www.peterboroughumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Pray-Act-Lenten-Study-2021-Study-Notes.pdf
Christian writers associated thorns with the Fall of Man, following God’s pronouncement to Adam that “thorns also and thistles shall [the ground] bring forth to thee” (Genesis 3:18). They have also seen a shadow of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, which was averted by the appearance of a ram caught “by its horns in the thicket” (Genesis 22:13) — i.e., with thorns around its head. Like Jesus, the ram subsequently became a substitutionary sacrifice. The likeliest intent of the Roman soldiers was a cruel parody of the civic crown worn by the emperor. This crown was a military decoration presented by soldiers to those who had saved the lives of Roman citizens, and had become imperial regalia since Augustus, who in his time was hailed as “Savior of the World”. The irony in this symbolism will not be lost to the Christian.
Pilate asks, “Are You a king?” Jesus answers: “I am a King, but My kingdom is not of this world.” The soldiers place an old purple robe on Jesus in mockery of His claim to be a king. They fashion a crown out of thorns, and forcefully press it down upon His head. In His bound hands they place a reed, as a scepter, in mockery of His kingship. Kneeling before Him in derision, they spit on Him, and cry out: “Hail, King of the Jews!” Taking the reed from His hand they strike Him on the head, driving the thorns more deeply into His scalp. Pilate brings Jesus before the people, hoping His pitiful sight will soften them: “Behold the man!” Their response: “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Jesus submitted to this terrible humiliation to make reparation for human pride.
Through the prayers this week, consider how this painful humiliation endured by Jesus shows the depth of God’s mercy on us and on the whole world.
• Day 11, Monday: We Share Comfort.
• Day 12, Tuesday: We Gather Wisdom.
• Day 13, Wednesday: We Take Action.
• Day 14, Thursday: We Exalt God.
• Day 15, Friday: We Seek Instruction.
• Day 16, Saturday: We Surrender Fear
• 3rd Sunday in Lent
Focus Verse: Day 16 – Surrender Fear (Adapted from Psalm 27)
Lord, you are my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear. You are the defense of my life, whom shall I dread? When evildoers come upon me, they stumble and fall. Though a host encamps against me, my heart will not fear. Though war arises against me, in spite of this, I shall be confident. Only one thing do I ask of you, Lord, that I shall seek and dwell in Your house all the days of my life, to experience Your peace as I meditate in Your temple. For in the day of trouble, You will conceal me in Your sanctuary and hide me in Your secret place. You will lift me up on a rock so that my head will be lifted up above my enemies. I will offer my praise with shouts of joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord! Amen
As we consider the quiet courage of Christ as He submitted to the humiliation of mockery and false accusations, we focus on Psalm 27 describing David’s courage as he was surrounded by enemies. In both examples their total trust in God as their rock and salvation gave them the strength to endure.
Study Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a particular circumstance or surrounded by enemies. What was your reaction?
2. What do the prayers for this week tell you about the nature of man? What do they tell you about the nature of God?
3. What is your personal response to sharing comfort, gathering wisdom, and seeking instruction from God?
4. Can you identify barriers in your own life that prevent you from turning fearful situations into situations that exalt God?
Day 11 Focus: We Share Comfort.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) On my walk today my heart was deeply saddened. I had read the lesson in PRAY. ACT. PRAY AGAIN. (p. 130) about how the soldiers mocked Jesus when they crowned him with thorns, and I found myself weeping. My tears confused me, until I realized that the mocking and disbelief in God continues. As you rest for 5 minutes today think about what it would mean if we gave to God the respect God deserves. Think of the comfort we could share on earth as in heaven by respecting God and all of God’s creation.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from II Corinthians 1:1-24, 13:11. Blessed be You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercies and God of all comfort. You comfort me in all my affliction, so that I am able to comfort those in affliction with the same comfort I receive from You. For just as I sometimes share in the sufferings of Christ, so also my comfort is abundant through Christ. If I am comforted by God, it is my job to share in comforting others. My hope in You is firmly grounded, knowing that when I share with the suffering of others, we are sharers in each other’s comfort…Finally, Dear Lord, help me always to rejoice in order to be made complete, be comforted, and be like-minded so that I can live in peace and be Your comfort to my Christian brothers and sisters. I claim You, the God of love and peace, in my life and walk. Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down what you feel God might be calling you to do.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) When I was writing this devotional today, my sister called to say she was going to visit a friend who is Jewish and was mourning the loss of a loved one. The family was observing a period called shiva, (SHIH-vah), and she wondered if I knew what sitting “shiva” required. I have a book that I recommend highly. It is edited by Arthur J. Magida and entitled, HOW TO BE A PERFECT STRANGER: A GUIDE TO ETIQUETTE ON OTHER PEOPLE’S RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES. I think every family should have one. The book describes how we can honor others who follow different faith traditions, by participating respectfully in other people’s religious ceremonies. My sister and I talked about what it means to sit with someone during a mourning period. I believe strongly that we need to be fully present to each other in difficult circumstances. Her call reminded me that to claim God’s of love and peace in our lives requires us to walk the walk. Who in your circle of influence is comforted by your presence? Who comforts you?
Day 12 Focus: We Gather Wisdom.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) As you stop briefly today to rest and breathe deeply, focus on the word wisdom and what images that word brings to mind.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Psalm 19:7-14. Lord, Your law is perfect, restoring my soul. Your testimony is sure, bringing wisdom to my foolishness. Your precepts are right, causing my heart to rejoice. Your commandments are pure, bringing enlightenment to my eyes. Reverence for You endures forever; Your judgments are true, altogether righteous. I am not able to discern my own errors, so I ask You to forgive me of hidden faults and keep me from presumptuous sins. I thank You that through Jesus Christ I am acquitted of all my transgressions. I ask that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down what this scripture is showing you.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) The part of our prayer today that stood out to me was, “I am not able to discern my own errors, so I ask You to forgive me of hidden faults and keep me from presumptuous sins.” Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone can be presumptuous. God is the only one who does not make mistakes. In a Beloved Community, the only example of perfection is God, and the only direction that is completely wise comes from God. As a truly Beloved Community that takes seriously the Great Commandment, we must speak the truth with love to each other and seek God’s wisdom that is greater than human opinions. When we can be humble enough to admit that we can be wrong and/or presumptuous, we can be open to hearing the truth from others. Humility and valuing another person enough to consider that she or he might have a part of a truth that we have missed is essential. Remembering that God will not pit us against each other will help us to see that discord as “not from God.” It will mean taking the time to unpack where the discord is clogging the peace. It is messy and requires all of the virtues—with an abundance of patience and humility—but it is worthwhile to discover how the Holy Spirit will give each of us a piece of the whole that will help us to live on earth as in heaven. (I saw BLACK PANTHER last night and it would be great fodder for a discussion about what a Beloved Community is meant to be.)
Day 13 Focus: With God’s Wisdom, we are moved into Action.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) Each day the cue to breathe deeply is probably becoming a new habit. Today as you sit quietly reflect upon any actions you have felt inspired to carry out when God’s wisdom touches your heart.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from I Peter 1:13-22. Dear Lord, I pray that You will gird my mind for action, help me to keep sober in spirit, help me to fix my hope completely on the grace brought to me through the revelation of what Jesus Christ has done for me…Give me the power not to be conformed to former wrong thoughts and acts done in my ignorance, but like the Holy One who calls me, become holy in ALL of my behavior, conducting myself with reverence during my time on earth, knowing that I was redeemed at a very high cost with the precious blood of Christ…Fill me with the knowledge and assurance that I have been born again with the imperishable seed through the living and abiding Word of God to carry out Your will and actions in a hurting world. I ask for all of this in the holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down what action this prayer might be prompting you to begin.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) Approaching my 71st birthday, when I hear that Peter prayed to “become holy in ALL of his behavior, conducting himself with reverence during his time on earth,” I am encouraged. I remember all the times Peter got it wrong, but nevertheless persevered, and I know there is hope for me. Reverence is a word that we really need to explore in 2018. What do we revere these days? The life of The Reverend Billy Graham is being celebrated today. Not everyone agreed with him—but many people of all walks of life revered him. His career spanned a large breath of time and while many things changed during his life—one constant for him was maintaining his personal integrity and teaching that God loves everyone. Where other people of fame gave into many temptations that tarnished their work, Billy Graham embraced humility and avoided pitfalls by staying as close to God as he was before he rose to international prominence. Through friends I got to meet Reverend Graham a few years ago, and even though his presence was striking, his manner was warm and welcoming. He treated us all with reverence. He had just lost his wife, and he talked about her with a tenderness that touched our souls. I want to live out my days on this earth reverently. As I have been writing this study and reading your responses, the Holy Spirit is showing me that other people want this kind of reverence in their lives, too.
Day 14 Focus: Joy is contagious and inclusive.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) As you breathe deeply today, think about the people and places in your life that bring you joy.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Zephaniah 3: 14-20. I Shout for Joy. I rejoice and exalt with all of my heart. Lord, You take away Your judgments against me; You clear away my enemies. I fear disaster no more! I am not afraid because You, Lord, are in my midst like a victorious warrior. You bring exultation and joy. You are quiet in Your love. Here are Your promises, Oh Lord, which I claim today. You save the lame and gather the outcast, You turn shame into praise and renown, You bring everyone in, and You restore fortunes before our eyes. I sing praises to Your holy name. Amen
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down what brings you joy?
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) My greatest joy comes when I can participate enthusiastically in the lives of family and friends. The part of the prayer today that touches my heart is how God wants to “bring everyone in.” I remember as a child walking through my neighborhood praying for the people in every home. Joy, it seems to me, unites us—and celebrates each person’s success. In my video today I mention how my grandson was the ring bearer at a family wedding with me—and we both wanted to do the best job to honor the bride and groom. When you think about joy—I wonder if you, too, feel a sense of inclusive reverence. Would love to know what brings you joy!
Day 15 Focus: Jesus’ Instructions bring comfort, wisdom, reverence & joy.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) As you breathe deeply today, focus on Jesus as a teacher who is merciful, slow to anger, abounding in love and relents from punishing.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern how this description of a teacher might differ from the one you had as a child.
Adapted from Psalms 25, 32, and 143. Dearest God, Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. Teach me the way in which I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. Instruct me and counsel me with Your eye upon me. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. The more I trust in You, Your loving kindness will surround me, and I will shout for joy to be among the upright of heart. Amen
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write about the best teacher you ever had?
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) Sometimes an improperly trained teacher can do more harm than good. This is not meant to be critical of teachers—teachers are only as good as the teachers who instruct them. However, in my research about how we learn, I was astounded by the way Dr. Amen explains how different our brains can be. One size does not fit all.
He describes a 24 year old who could never complete a class. The parents of this young man were sure he was just lazy. With proper evaluation and an established intervention plan, this same young man went on—not only to complete classes—but also to become a doctor. The rub for him was that traditional learning methods shut his brain down. His father was deeply sad when he discovered that his son had a medical problem—not a lack of motivation. (Amen, CHANGE YOUR BRAIN, p. 181) Listen again to the way the psalmist in our prayer is describing God’s teaching techniques: “Instruct me and counsel me with Your eye upon me. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. The more I trust in You, Your loving kindness will surround me, and I will shout for joy.” God’s eye is upon us, and God’s Holy Spirit will lead us to level ground. The Scripture tells us repeatedly that when we trust in God, the Spirit instructs us with loving kindness. Which teachers were masters in your life and reflected a loving kindness that helped you to learn? How do you reflect God’s loving kindness to others so that you can teach others about who God truly is?
Day 16 Summary of Week 3.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) As you breathe deeply today, focus on how a Beloved Community can share Comfort, gather Wisdom, act Reverently, exalt God Joyfully and seek God’s Instruction without any Fear.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to surrender any fears you may have to God:
Adapted from Psalm 27. Lord, You are my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? You are the defense of my life, whom shall I dread? When evildoers come upon me, they stumble and fall. Though a host encamps against me, my heart does not fear. Though war arises against me, in spite of this, I am confident. Only one thing I ask of You, Lord, that I seek and dwell in Your house all the days of my life, to experience Your peace as I meditate in Your temple. For in the day of trouble, You conceal me in Your sanctuary and hide me in Your secret place. You lift me up on a rock to raise my head above my enemies. I offer my praise with shouts of joy. I sing, yes, I sing praises to the Lord! Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write whatever makes you fearful?
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) Third Week Saturday Summary
Third Week Saturday Summary
A Beloved Community embraces God’s Loving Kindness when
We bring Comfort by being fully present to each other,
Bringing Comfort, we share God’s Wisdom
Sharing God’s Wisdom, we act Reverently
Acting Reverently, we experience Joy
Filled with Comfort, Wisdom, Reverence and Joy, we Learn God’s Ways
Comforted, Wise, Reverent, Joyful, and Informed by God’s teachings,
we surrender Fear.
