Introduction
United in Prayer
The Lenten Devotional Booklet of St. John's Lutheran Church has been a ministry that has spanned more than two decades and touched the lives of thousands. What is particularly inspiring about the content of this booklet is that it is not the work of professional writers, but heartfelt reflections from members of our parish in La Grange, Illinois. This book is distributed throughout our congregation and school, as well as to friends and interested readers throughout the country. Whether this is your first occasion to take the journey or you are a long-time follower of this publication, I believe you will be incredibly blessed by this 2008 collection.
Our Theme
Our devotional booklet is designed around a theme of unity. It is structured in seven sections, each inspired by Jesus' prayer of
John 17 (sometimes called his "High Priestly Prayer"). I urge you to open a Bible, read this prayer and pray this prayer several times
throughout the seven weeks of this devotional journey. Throughout the book, portions of the prayer are highlighted at the beginning of each week.
If you were about to die, what would be on your mind? Jesus prayed the prayer written in John 17 just hours before his death. Jesus could have prayed for so many things that fearful night, but it is his desire for our unity - with God and with each other - that is so vivid in his thoughts.
While this devotion was designed as a Lenten journey, in many ways it is a timeless collection that I believe will have longevity and usefulness beyond this moment. Please note that in past years, the devotional booklet began with Ash Wednesday, however, this year it begins two days early on the Monday before. This helps us to pray for seven weeks around seven themes of unity inspired by Jesus' prayer.
United in Prayers that Give Glory to Jesus
United in Prayers for the Saving of Souls
United in Prayers that We May Be One in Christ
United in Prayers to Increase Our Joy
United in Prayers that Stand for Truth and Justice in the World
United in Prayers that the Whole Christian Church May Be One
United in Prayers of Complete Love for One Another
Thanks
Dozens of people worked together to produce this publication under the leadership of St. John's Board for Parish Education. We are indeed
in a debt of gratitude for their fine work and labor of love. The greatest honor we could give their work - and ultimately our
Savior, Jesus - would be to use this book, unite in prayer and to share this booklet with a friend or neighbor. Additional copies of this
publication are available through our church office. God bless and unite us all in the journey!
Pastor Bill Geis