Starter Prayer: God of hidden wisdom, show me something new, and teach me something wonderful. I want to understand your power in the way of the cross.

Focus Phrase: Hidden Wisdom

The cross of Christ means different things to different people. Church by church, the meaning is taught differently. And people think differently. We change as we move through the stages of childhood thinking to young adults to midlife and beyond. We change and evolve in the way we understand the meaning and significance of the cross. 

In today’s reflections from Again & Again, we interact with visual art, read commentary from the artist and read a passage written by the Apostle Paul– his manifesto on the meaning of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection as symbolized by “the cross”.

There is a lifetime of material here to think about and grow into. We are called to grow in our understanding of the way of the cross.

Be encouraged in your practice.

Katie Martinez

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE:

• Read and reflect on p. 22-24 of Again & Again. The link is in every Journey email. If you’re not getting those, register here.  
• Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 from the New Living Translation.
  
• Questions for journaling and spiritual conversation:
  
  • How has your understanding of the cross changed over the course of your life?
  • What do you think Paul means when he claims that the foolishness of God is wiser than human smarts?
• Make your plans to participate in the Good Friday Experience at Crossroads, in-person, online or on demand. We will reflect upon the hidden wisdom and true power of the cross. For the in-person option, a reservation is necessary.
• As the week unfolds, what word or phrase captures your attention? Weave your word into the prayer wall at the Taft Avenue facility; or text your word to 970-500-0970, and the prayer team will weave it into the wall for you.

ENDNOTES:

• For daily texts with the Focus Word, Starter Prayer and link to these daily posts, text the word “lent” to 970-500-0970.
• Join Ryan on Facebook Live, every weekday morning at 10am for spiritual conversation on these Lent themes.
• Looking for the link to the digital devotional or your copy of the print version? Register here.
• Join the Orange Dots of Hope Facebook Group for spiritual conversations.

This is part of Again & Again: Journey of Lent 2021 with Crossroads Church. The theme, devotional booklet, poetry and art is the work of the creative community of theologians and artists at A Sanctified Art. Crossroads is grateful for this resource!

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