Leader
We gather again this morning, enriched by the learning and conversation of the last two days, eager to engage anew this day. And so we pause, at the opening of the day, to listen to the lectionary passage for today. We welcome into our lives the invitation of scripture to turn toward hope.

SCRIPTURE READING

Reader
A reading from the book of Genesis

When Abram prostrated himself, God spoke to him: "My covenant with you is this: you are to become the father of a host of nations. No longer shall you be called Abram; your name shall be Abraham, for I am making you the father of a host of nations. I will render you exceedingly fertile; I will make nations of you; kings shall stem from you. I will maintain my covenant with you and your descendants after you throughout the ages as an everlasting pact, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

The Word of the Lord.

All
Thanks be to God.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS

Leader
In the reading today, Abram, who is old and without children is invited to hope that a whole nation shall spring forth from him. In response to the scripture, let us take a moment to ponder in silence our own response to the invitation to turn toward hope.

• Where in your life and in the life of your organization do you experience the greatest discouragement, even despair? Where do you find it hardest to believe that new life is possible? (pause for reflection)
• What would be your greatest hope for your organization? What makes you afraid to hope? What would it mean to turn toward hope this Lent? (pause for reflection)

CLOSING PRAYER

Leader
O God of Abraham, in an old age that seemed barren, you promised your friend a new tomorrow. You promised descendants as numerous as the stars. Give us this morning the capacity to dream the dreams that you have for us, to see the possibilities that you see for us. Possibilities as numerous as the stars. Grant us the hope that we need to move forward into the future. Draw near and walk with us, keeping us always hopeful. O Lord, hear us as we pray:

All
Turn our eyes toward you.