Reformation Lutheran Church A Congregation of the ELCA

Lent 2015 Index

ROCK OF AGES

We love this old hymn and have chosen to use it as the introduction to our Lenten devotions. It sets the mood and speaks so clearly of our need for repentance and grace.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood, from thy riven side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure; cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r.

Not the labors of my hands can fulfill the law’s demands;
could my zeal no respite know, could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone; thou must save and thou alone.

Nothing in my hand I bring; simply to thy cross I cling.
Naked come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyelids close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.

ELW #623

Our congregation’s study theme for the year is “Building on the Rock.” Daily Devotions for Lent picks up on that theme. We asked our writers to think about their lives with Jesus, the Rock. Have they built their homes on mighty rocks far above the hubbub in the valley? Or have they built on sinking sand? Have they ever stubbed their toes on rocks? Were they ever drowning until they found the one Rock they could cling to?

We’ve all got our stories, stories of faith and stories of not so much faith. Sometimes that rock is solid as Gibraltar. Sometimes the rock looks like nothing more than a pebble on a slippery slope.

Thanks to all our writers and also to our behind-the-scenes team: Mark Yeskie, Marcia Werts, Lori East, Debbie Stephens and, most especially, Pastor Kristin. Share your Lenten journey with us as we encounter the Rock of our salvation — and also the gravel, pebbles, stones and boulders blocking the paths we travel while seeking the Way.

Dallas Cronk For the Daily Devotions Team