Lenten Devotional Week 3: Freedom From Shame

This is the third in our series of Lenten reflections designed to help you go deeper this season using the Sunday sermon, the Gospel reading, and our 5 Weeks of Freedom small‑group study. Whether you’re following along on your own, gathering with family around the dinner table, or simply looking for a moment of grounding in a busy week, our hope is that these reflections help you experience God’s healing and freedom in new ways this Lent.

How to Use This Devotional

Use this in whatever way serves you best:

• Personal devotion: Read slowly, journal a few thoughts, or sit with one question that stands out.
• Family or household conversation: Use the prompts to spark deeper connection and honest sharing.
• Use as much or as little as you wish: One question may be enough for the whole week.
• • Watch the Week 3 sermon if you missed it.
• Read the Gospel John 4:5-42 (NRSV alongside The Message translation)

A Prayer for the Week

Find a quiet place. Take a slow breath.  Say aloud (or silently):

Gracious God,

you never stop coming toward us,

even crossing barriers to meet us in the places we hide.

As Jesus met the woman at the well,

help us meet one another with humility, empathy, and compassion.

Give us the courage to bring our truth into the light

and openness to receive the living water you offer.  

AMEN

 

Being Seen

Jesus begins not with judgment, but with presence.  He sees the Woman at the well and he honors her. 

• When have you felt truly seen this week?

• What did that moment reveal about what you need?

Prayer:
“God who sees me, help me notice your presence in the ordinary moments of my day.”

 

Slowing Down for What Matters

This is the longest conversation Jesus has with anyone in Scripture.  He is not rushed. He is not distracted. He is fully present.

Reflect:

• Where in your life do you need to slow down?

• Who in your life needs your curiosity, your listening, or your presence?

 

Living Water

Jesus speaks of “living water”– a life that satisfies at the deepest level.

Prayer:
“Jesus, give me the living water only you can offer – renewal, courage, connection, and peace.”

Reflect:

• What do you thirst for spiritually or relationally?  

 

Bringing Truth Into the Light

Jesus names her truth not to shame her, but to free her.  He creates a space where what is hidden can be spoken without fear.

Consider:

• Is there something you’ve been carrying alone that you long to bring into the light?  Who can you share it with?   

Prayer:
“God, give me courage to be honest—with you, with myself, and with someone I trust.”

 

Where Are You Being Sent?

Jesus goes to Samaria.  He goes straight into the place others avoided.  He seeks out “the other.”  

Refect:

• Where might God be inviting you to go?

• Who might God be inviting you to move toward, even gently?

• What small barrier might you cross this week?

Prayer:
“Christ who crosses every boundary, guide my steps toward the people and places where love is needed.”

 

Closing Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  AMEN

 

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