Lenten Devotional: March 27, 2026

by Rev. Elyse Nielsen

I have an engagement photo of Eric and I on my desk. I look at it every day and remember what excitement, anticipation, and joy at what the next two weeks would bring. Yes, we took engagement photos about two weeks before we got married. It was a Covid-19 wedding. We got engaged at a celebration dinner after we both got vaccinated in March and were married 7/3/2021. A short engagement so everything got condensed. Very romantic for a global pandemic. I remember feeling a little silly for deciding to do something so close to the big event. Now, I am so glad that I did. A lot happened in those two weeks. We packed up our homes to make a single home together. We had a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception. We saw family, in person, that we hadn't seen in over a year. Being a bit late really doesn't dampen the celebration. Don't let being late to try a Lenten spiritual practice keep you from how God will bless you by trying it. Even if it is just for one week. A lot happens to Jesus in a few short days. A lot can happen for you in those days. 

So if you have given a new discipline a try, consider the lessons we have learned, the growth that we have already experienced, and the places where we may have failed. What are the practices that worked for you? Did you try something new? Have you seen Christ working where you didn't before? Has your prayer life deepened? Do you hold more gratitude? I encourage you to try during Holy week a practice or discipline that you may not have ever tried before. Pick up a new devotional study, listen to the Bible App, or set a timer to be intentional to set aside prayer time. Try. Be gentle with yourself. Christ came for all, even you, even if you might be a little late.