March 8, 2026 | Third Sunday of Lent @ Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – Buffalo, NY
Scripture Reference:
Based on Luke 13:1–9 and Luke 22:39–42
A Journey of Faith
As we begin each season of Lent, we are invited into the discipline of Lent: self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love — strengthened by the gifts of Word and Sacrament.
Lent is a journey of faith. Along this journey, we explore questions such as: How does prayer connect me with God and God’s purposes? How does prayer equip and empower me along the journey?
Lent isn’t about each of us dwelling on our unworthiness or sin and getting stuck there.
Instead, It’s about who God is.
It’s about who we are called to be because of who God is.
As we journey through life, we grow as people of God and gain clarity about how to live faithfully in the midst of the challenges our time and place.
When We Pray
As we journey through Lent, prayer takes center stage.
Jesus asked about people killed by Pontius Pilate and the eighteen people who died in a tragic accident. He asked whether these tragedies happened because they were worse sinners than others. We also hear of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane before his betrayal.
We pray in thanksgiving, but also for forgiveness, relief, health, and all manner of need.
When we pray, what do we hope will happen? Do we expect someone or circumstances to change? Do we pray with full confidence, or do we secretly think nothing will change at all?
Think of the last time you prayed with real urgency. Was it when you were worried? When you were sick? When you were scared? When someone you love was hurting?
The Prayers of Jesus
Jesus prayed in times like these, too. He prayed for the people he cared about. He prayed in the wilderness, in solitude, and in his times of grief.
He prayed even on the cross: “Father, forgive them.”
He prayed in Gethsemane: “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me… nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.”
In Jesus’ prayers, we hear about his values and what truly mattered to him.
We hear him rooted in love regardless of circumstances.
We hear honesty and relationship with God.
We hear alignment with God’s purposes.
This is not powerlessness, but an invitation to participate.
How Prayer Changes Us
We are invited to participate in God’s ongoing work of love through prayer and action.
Sometimes circumstances change. But, more often, it is we who change.
Our fear loosens.
Our courage grows.
Our bitterness softens.
Our compassion deepens.
Our clarity emerges, and our freedom increases.
Prayer is powerful because love has power.
If God is love, prayer connects us to that love, reshaping how we perceive the world and how we show up in it.
The Power of Prayer
Prayer did not prevent the people who Jesus healed from ever getting sick again. Prayer didn’t prevent those he raised from the dead from eventually dying. Prayer did not prevent the cross. Prayer did not remove suffering from Jesus’ life.
Perhaps the power of prayer isn’t that it fixes everything.
Perhaps the power of prayer is that it refuses to let fear, cynicism, or despair have the final word.
Prayer as a Compass
What if prayer worked like a compass?
A compass doesn’t remove the wilderness.
It doesn’t flatten mountains or shorten the journey.
But prayer keeps us oriented.
It keeps us hopeful and connected to love.
In life’s wilderness, being connected with love and hope may be the power we need most.
Prayer may not change the path…
but it steadies the traveler…
as we journey together, boldly loving our neighbor and working for justice and peace in such a way that we help direct people’s hearts, minds, and souls towards Love.
In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Reflection Question:
When have you experienced prayer steadying you or helping you stay oriented toward love during a difficult season of life?
Epicurious Lutheran 
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