Scripture

Exodus 16:2-4

The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.

The house of Israel called it manna; it was like coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey. Moses said, ‘This is what the Lord has commanded: “Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, in order that they may see the food with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.”’ And Moses said to Aaron, ‘Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the Lord, to be kept throughout your generations.’ As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the covenant, for safe keeping. The Israelites ate manna for forty years, until they came to a habitable land; they ate manna, until they came to the border of the land of Canaan.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, As we gather in this season of Lent, we recall Your mighty hand in the Exodus, guiding Your chosen people through the wilderness. In times of uncertainty and need, You provided manna from heaven, quenching their hunger and revealing Your endless mercy. Amidst their doubts and grumblings, Your grace remained steadfast, a testament to Your unchanging love.

Lord, in this sacred time, we humbly ask You to instill in us a heart like that of Moses, trusting in Your provision and guidance. May we learn from the journey of the Israelites, embracing Your presence in every aspect of our lives. Help us to recognize the manna You provide daily, nurturing our faith and sustaining our spirits.

Grant us the courage to share openly how You are moving in our lives, recognizing the power of our shared stories in strengthening our communal faith. May our words and actions reflect a deep commitment to Your desires, welcoming Your presence in all we do.

As we navigate our own wilderness, lead us towards a deeper understanding of Your love and purpose. Guide our hearts and minds, Lord, in trusting Your provision and being ever mindful of Your grace. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

-Jeff Bond