Lenten Prayer Guide 2026
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” -Luke 9:51 (NIV)
Have you ever been resolute about doing something? To be resolute is to be purposeful, determined and unwavering in your commitment.
When I think about being resolute, I think about trying to find that perfect gift for my wife’s birthday. The hunt for that perfect gift starts months before, as I focus my attention on listening for little clues about things that interest her and watching as she shops to see the things she won’t buy herself. I’ll talk about it with my girls and see what they think mom would like. It continues with me going from place to place and browsing online stores looking for the perfect item. I am resolute in my pursuit, and I won’t let anything stop me from getting the perfect gift for my wife.
Have you ever been resolute about something? Have you been unwavering in your commitment to doing something?
In Luke 9:51, we are told that Jesus turned resolutely towards Jerusalem and the cross that awaited him there. This verse marks a turning point in the Gospel of Luke. The first 9 chapters cover 33 years of Jesus’ time on earth–from his inception to a few weeks before his death on the cross, it’s a quick paced journey. Then, in Luke 9:51, time slows, and the remaining 14 chapters cover the weeks and days of Jesus’ journey to the cross and beyond. Everything that follows Luke 9:51, everything he does and says, is meant to be seen in light of Jesus’ resoluteness. The author wants us to understand how determined and unwavering Jesus was in giving himself as a ransom for you and me; how determined he was to be our atoning sacrifice and take our place by suffering the death we deserve for our sin. There was nothing that would stop Jesus; he was resolute. Have you ever thought about how resolute Jesus was? Have ever thanked him for his resoluteness?
Jesus is resolute in his pursuit of reconciling you and me with God. Jesus wants you to know him and live in a relationship with him and he is just as resolute about it today as he was back then. I wonder if we are as resolute in our pursuit of Jesus as he is in his pursuit of us?
Today marks the beginning of Lent. For centuries, Christians have used the days leading up to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday to focus their attention and affections on Jesus. It’s a season to intentionally slow down, refocus, and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection. Lent involves taking time to reflect, repent, and pursue spiritual renewal. Some believers do this through fasting, giving up something that is important to them, some spend additional time in prayer and others participate in special services that are held throughout the season of Lent. All of this is done out of a resolute desire to know and grow in Jesus.
As we begin Lent today, I want to invite you to journey with us. Our Prayer Coordinator, Al Fuchs, has written a prayer for each day of Lent to help you draw closer to Jesus. In our Lenten Prayer Guide you will find 40 short prayers you can pray and use as launching points to help you reflect on your relationship with Jesus, turn resolutely towards him (repent), and experience spiritual renewal. The Lenten Prayer Guide will also be available at the information desk on Sunday.
As you begin your journey towards Jesus this Lent, I invite you to spend a few moments now in reflection and prayer:
Reflect
Read Luke 9:51 several times, pause for 1-2 minutes between each reading to be still, reflect on the words you just read and listen for the whisper of the Spirit.
After reading the verse several times, consider the following questions:
- Am I as resolute in my pursuit of Jesus as he is in pursuit of me? Why do I feel this way?
- What could I give up for 40 days to give me more time to focus on pursuing Jesus?
- In what area of my life is Jesus inviting me to grow in deeper intimacy with him?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for being resolute in your pursuit of me. Lord, examine my life and activities. Identify the times and places in my life where I have turned away from you. With a repentant heart, I turn resolutely towards you. Holy Spirit, come and lead me to Jesus and the fullness of life that awaits. Lord, hear our prayers.
Here are some resources to use alongside Trailview’s Lenten Prayer Guide to help you experience spiritual renewal over the coming weeks.
- Preparing for Easter: Fifty Devotional Readings by C.S. Lewis
- Journey to the Cross: A 40 Day Lenten Devotional by Paul David Tripp
May you would encounter Jesus in a new and meaningful way this Lent, may Holy Spirit open your eyes to see the life you created for, and may the love of the Father overwhelm you and inspire you share His love with others this Easter.
See you Sunday,
Pastor Kirk