Author: Beth Case

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Easter and Forgiveness – by Carolyn Taylor

This Easter season, with the theme of forgiveness, has been a contemplative one for me. I have struggled with forgiveness for the past 22+ years, ever since an individual violently took my husband of forty years away from me and our family. The Prayer of Forgiveness says “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” This individual gave no thought to the lives he was impacting in our family and also in his family; only his current sense of hurt and deprivation caused by his own actions.

As I listened to the stories of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis, and the parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 21, I again revisited my mixed emotions last year when the individual died of natural causes while still in prison. Was I glad to finally have this nightmare over, no more hearings even after all this time, or should I be sad at the loss of life, even one in his limited environment?

As the King said to the unforgiving servant as he put him in jail, “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” I choose now not to live in the jail of unforgiveness, but to commit my life to be free to be happy and commit my spirit to the Lord.

As it says in Psalm 31:
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge
Let me never be put to shame;
In your righteousness deliver me!
Incline your ear to me,
Rescue me speedily!
Be a rock of refuge for me,
A strong fortress to save me!
PRAISE BE TO GOD.

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Spontaneous Prayer – by Jimette McLean

Thank you, Jesus! Lord, forgive me. Bless those in Ukraine. Help me, God. These four prayers are spontaneous utterances that I have spoken in the past week. They are examples of four types of prayers that I encouraged Confirmands to use in their prayer journals: thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and petition. The truth is, these short, spontaneous prayers are much more my style than the longer conversation or meditative style of prayer that some prefer.


“Thank you, Jesus” may come in response to something as simple as the elevator being on my floor when I’m in a hurry or when I get a phone call from a long-time friend. “Lord, forgive me” is appropriate more frequently than I actually pray it but comes when I have thought unkind thoughts about someone, for example.


Prayers of intercession come maybe while watching the news, or hearing about someone’s illness, or even when seeing a homeless person while driving. There are many opportunities to lift up a quick prayer for someone. Just saying a name is enough — God knows the needs more than I do!

And finally, petition: prayers for myself are much needed — particularly praying for patience. I recognize the value in the longer, more thoughtful conversations with God — I read the Upper Room every day as well as a Lenten devotional, and each evening I write five things for which I am thankful. But still, for me, the admonishment to “continue instant in prayer” is best acted out spontaneously. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

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Kindness as a Spiritual Value – by Gene Spillman

Kindness is part of Lenten discipline. Spiritual values became important to me when I began looking for a way that I could discipline myself and begin practicing the deepest spiritual values of the Christian faith.


It was not long until I discovered Galatians 5:22-23. It is titled the “Fruits of the Spirit.” “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.” (NRSV)


I began to look at these nine gifts one by one. What I found in my study of kindness is a closeness to God. Consider with me, Kindness — being friendly, generous, and considerate.


Kindness is a very personal habit and characteristic that makes one attractive to others as a friend. As we cultivate this characteristic, we find persons are attracted to us; however, kindness is more than just making friends. Kindness includes the above characteristics.


How do we be friendly? The Golden Rule might help! “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Think of the way you act when out and about in the community and in the community at large. Is road rage a reaction? Or, do you step back and give someone else your place in line if it would be of help to someone? Are you pleasant to the checkout person – the stocker?


Feel the presence of God when you share kindness in your life. In this season of Lent, will you continue to develop in your life the discipline of kindness and all of the other “Fruits of the Spirit?”