Lenten Devotionals

Covenant A mutual agreement between two or more people to do (or refrain from) doing certain acts; sometimes the undertaking of one of the parties. (via The Handy Bible Dictionary…

Justification God’s declaration that our relationship with God has been made right because of the work of Jesus. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Romans 5:1-2 1Therefore, since we are justified…

Grace God’s gift of love and forgiveness freely given to undeserving sinners. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Ephesians 2:8–9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this…

Sola A Latin word meaning “alone” or “only.” The Lutheran reformers used the phrase “Sola fide” to make their case that one is saved by faith alone – not by…

Prophet A prophet was a spokesperson for God; they spoke in God’s name and by God’s authority (Ex. 7:1). A prophet is the mouth by which God speaks to humankind…

Gospel “Gospel” translates the Old Testament Hebrew verb bisser and the noun besorah. The Greek New Testament equivalent is euangelion, which is a compound word. Eu means “good,” and angelion…

Scripture a) the books of the Bible —often used in plural b) a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative (via Merriam-Webster) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 16All scripture is inspired by…

Catechism (ˈka-tə-ˌki-zəm) A summary of the principles of Christian religion, sometimes in the form of questions and answers, used for the instruction of Christians. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 6 Keep these words that…

Apostle A title that indicates someone is a commissioned messenger or ambassador. It is a Greek word that can mean “one who is sent out.” Jesus, sent by God the…

Metanoia This Greek word is derived from the root words meta (“after/change”) and noiein (“to think/perceive.”) In the Bible it is frequently translated into English as repentance – something that…

Lament A passionate expression of grief or sorrow. Psalm 13:1–2 1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2…

Sin Self-centeredness; placing self in God’s place, resulting in total alienation from God. Psalm 51:1-3 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion…

Fast A voluntary, temporary pause from consuming food, drink or some other practice as a practice in spiritual discipline. It’s not a way to prove or earn something, but a…