INTRODUCTION

The Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday, is a time for reflection on God’s great love for us and God’s great call on us to faithful and liberating discipleship. For years, the Historic Black Methodist Churches have used this time to share a daily devotional to serve as a resource for spiritual practice during the season, first under the auspices of the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) and then continuing to organize as a joint labor of love of the Christian Education Departments of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

This year’s theme is Social Teachings of the Church which focuses our attention and meditation on our responsibility as disciples of the Risen Christ. The scripture passages were selected from the Home Daily Bible Readings published by the Committee on Uniform Series (CUS) of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. CUS has promoted an ecumenical approach to the study and teaching of God’s word since 1872.

It has been an honor to serve as this year’s editor. Special thanks to all the meditation contributors and to my colleagues, Rev. Patrick Barrett II, General Secretary-Treasurer for the AMEZ Church Christian Education Department, Dr. Carmichael D. Crutchfield, General Secretary for the CME Church Christian Education Department, Rev. Gwendolyn Peters and Dr. Willa Ross, meditation coordinators for the AMEZ and CME contributions respectively.

Still, an urgency remains in this present moment politically, culturally, and even spiritually. Violence and intolerance seem to rule the day. Oppressive Empire seeks to expand its reach. Yet God calls us to a justice-seeking faith that shows compassion for the other and bears witness to the saving, liberating, and reconciling power of Jesus for the lost. Our prayer is that these 2026 daily meditations may help us all examine ourselves as we seek and work to follow daily our Crucified and Risen Savior, partnering in the crucial work of liberation, unity, and reconciliation as he so calls and leads.

Rev. Dr. Garland F. Pierce is executive director of the Department of Christian Education of the AME Church and immediate past chair of the Committee on the Uniform Series of the National Council of Churches, USA.

FREE EXCERPTS

THE GIFT OF GRACE

PSALM 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us. Psalm 67:1 NRSVue

The Lenten season invites us into a holy work of truth-telling about our frailty, our dependence, and our deep need for God’s grace. Psalm 67 reminds us that grace does not begin with human perfection but with divine generosity. God’s blessings are not rewards for clean hands or flawless faithfulness; they are acts of love rooted in God’s own character. It is God who causes the earth to yield its increase. The fruitfulness of creation and the sustaining of life are not earned; they are freely given.

Yet grace is never meant to end with us. God blesses so that God’s way may be known upon the earth. Nothing God creates or nurtures bears fruit for itself alone. What grows is meant to nourish others. In the same way, the blessings entrusted to us, freedom, resources, influence, and opportunity, are given to serve the greater good and advance what is life-giving in the world.

What God gives should never be suffocated or held in isolation. Grace is truly received when it creates space for others to breathe, to flourish, and to stand without shrinking. When our hearts are inclined toward the purposes of God, our lives begin to reflect justice and mercy. Faith becomes visible not only in what we say, but in how we care for one another and attend to those most often overlooked.

On this Ash Wednesday, marked by repentance and hope, we remember that we are blessed not for selfishness, but to share; not to dominate, but to serve.

PRAYER: Gracious God, receive our lives anew. Shape our hearts to reflect your mercy and teach us to share what you have given for the good of others. AMEN.

Bishop Erika D. Crawford is the 143rd elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church. She was the first woman to lead an episcopal class in the church’s history and currently serves in the Eighth Episcopal District.

LEARNING THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

2 CORINTHIANS 9:1-6

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised, so that it may be ready as a bountiful gift and not as an extortion. The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9: 5-6 NRSVue

One of the greatest spiritual teachings in the church is the importance of giving. Lent is a spiritual teaching in the church tradition, observed the forty days before Easter. Paul, in this passage, helps churches to understand the importance of giving, emphasizing giving as joyful acts, learning how to sow faithful seeds of righteous, sowing and reaping a generous harvest, and becoming a cheerful giver.

Reading these verses of the scriptures teaches us the actions of the churches in Achaia and around Macedonia. According to the scriptures, churches need to continue to teach the spirit of giving in their congregations, teaching others how to give and the meaning of giving.

There are two kinds of giving: grudgingly and cheerfully. Cheerful giving is always the best way to give unto God. Cheerfully, people know how to sow seeds faithfully and reap a good and faithful harvest from God. Giving to God is a freewill offering, meaning without any pressure and compulsion. We should always be willing to fast, pray, and give according to scripture not only during the Lenten Season, but throughout the year. The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; but, if you sow bountifully, you will reap bountifully. Learning the spirit of giving is the will of God.

PRAYER: Most Gracious Father, I ask as I give, that the offering be used to bless others and to help with the upkeep of your house, that you multiply this offering and use it for your divine purposes, and that seeds sown will reap a harvest of both spiritual and material blessings. In your precious name I pray, AMEN.

Deaconess Leola Howard, a graduate of Wesleyan University with a BA in Christian Education Leadership, is a member of Greater Jones Chapel AME Zion Church, CED Conference Director, a traveling minister, and a Deaconess for the Oklahoma Conference.

BLESSINGS ON BLESSINGS ON BLESSINGS

2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-15

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9: 6-7 NRSVue

This passage emphasizes the importance of generosity and the rewards that come from it. It is used often in reference to the giving of tithes; however, the message of this passage is more about generosity shown to others as a response to how good God has been to us. When we are generous, we not only give material things but also share kindness, compassion, and support with others. This act of generosity can create a ripple effect of gratitude and praise for the giver, the receiver, and ultimately, God.

Think about a time when someone’s generosity made a difference in your life. Did it inspire you to pay it forward and bless others in return? It creates a cycle of gratitude, joy, and praise that uplifts not only us but also those around us by embracing generosity and acknowledging the interconnectedness of our actions and their impact on others. We should strive to be generous in all aspects of our lives, knowing that our actions can glorify God and spread God’s abundant blessings to those in need.

This underscores the importance of intention and attitude in giving. It is not just about the act of giving, but the spirit in which it is done. “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” We come to know that God will provide for our needs, enabling us to continue doing good.

PRAYER: Giving God, please give us generous spirits so that we may help spread your love. In the name of Jesus, your perfect gift, we pray, AMEN.

Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. is General Secretary of the Department of Publications and Pastor of the Bates Chapel C.M.E. Church, Coldwater, Mississippi.

FAITHFUL DOUBT

MATTHEW 28:16-20

 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. Matthew 28:16-17 NRSVue

In the context of liberation and unity, the black church is divided. Some argue that the Gospel’s primary purpose is to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom. Others insist that there is no good news without liberation. As a result, many have drifted away from the church’s central mission, raising an important question: If Jesus’ instructions are clear, how do we arrive at such intense disagreements?

Matthew 28:16–20, known as The Great Commission, presents Jesus’ mandate to the ecclesia, the “calledout ones.” After more than three years of being mentored by Jesus, these eleven disciples who saw him heal, preach, teach, pray, sleep, die, and now be resurrected, met him on a mountain in Galilee and worshiped. Yet even among these handpicked followers, some doubted.

How many of the eleven doubted?  And who were they?  Was it Peter, perhaps; was it Matthew, perhaps; or was it John, perhaps.  The point is, there were some among that group of eleven who had been exposed to the Way, the Truth, and the Life, yet were not fully united in worship.  So, then we must ask, how can those who are called to go and make disciples of all nations, and to teach the things Jesus commanded, carry out that mission while wrestling with doubt? The answer lies in The Great Mission found in Acts 1:8 which promises us power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us to be witnesses.

Doubts should never lead us to division; instead, it invites us to humble ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen our witness. When we pursue unity in the faith, God uses that unity to liberate those we now faithfully teach.

PRAYER: Lord, help me to be faithful to the mission, even in the midst of my doubts. AMEN.

Rev. Dr. Hugh B. Marriott is an Episcopal Supervisor of Missions and Outreach in the AME Church. He is a Board-Certified Chaplain, and holds degrees in Engineering, Telecommunications, Divinity, and Global Leadership.  He is a Silver Life member of the NAACP, and volunteers with the American Red Cross.

STEWARDSHIP AND MISSION

2 CORINTHIANS 8:3-9

And not as we expected. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us.
2 Corinthians 8: 5 NRSVue

To be able to give and help others, we must give ourselves to the Lord. When I think about what it means to give of myself and to the Body of Christ, I can only reflect on the call of God. As a body of believers, we have more than one call to which to respond. First is the call of Salvation; Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us it is by grace (God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ) that you have been saved through faith. This salvation is not because of any of our own efforts; it is the gift of God. (the Amplified Bible)

The second call is to serve God and others as we give ourselves; giving of our time and our spiritual gifts (whatever we are gifted to do). When we give, we should give of ourselves by showing enthusiasm for others, not doing so grudgingly but with enthusiasm as the Lord guides us. Some of us are gifted in speech and knowledge. That means to speak words that edify and not tear down, never to danger a person’s reputation but build them up.

For our sake, God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus gave himself; he became poor/sin voluntarily for humanity so that we could become rich/righteous to be in right standing with God. Our ultimate call is to stewardship and mission.

PRAYER: Father, help us to give as you gave, not to limit ourselves, and especially not limit you. Expand our way of thinking and giving as we reach those that are in need. AMEN.

Rev. Angelia D. Franks is Pastor of New Beginning A.M.E. Zion Church Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

ADHERING TO BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP AND MISSIONS

NEHEMIAH 4:15-23

When our enemies heard that their plot was known to us and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his work. Nehemiah 4:15 NRSVue

This text offers a powerful biblical framework for understanding the church’s social teachings on stewardship and missions. In this passage, the people of God rebuild the wall with a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other, embodying vigilance, unity, and shared responsibility. Their work is not individualistic; it is communal, purposeful, and rooted in obedience to God’s call. This mirrors the church’s teaching that stewardship is not merely about managing resources but about faithfully participating in God’s mission to restore and renew the world.

The workers in Nehemiah’s day understood that every gift, skill, strength, and material provision was entrusted to them for a holy purpose. Likewise, Christian stewardship calls believers to use their Godgiven resources for the common good, especially in service to the vulnerable. Missions, then, becomes the outward expression of this stewardship: the church joins God’s redemptive work by proclaiming hope, meeting needs, and building communities of justice and compassion.

Today, the church is invited into that same posture, working together, standing guard for one another, and investing sacrificially in God’s mission so that all may experience God’s restoration and peace.

PRAYER: Lord, strengthen our hands as we build what you have called us to build. Keep our hearts alert and our spirits anchored in your protection. Stand guard over us, O God, as we labor faithfully in your name. AMEN.

Rev. Bernice KingStrong, Ph.D. is an educator, counselor, author, and a local deacon in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

FREE YOUR MIND

ROMANS 15:1-17

May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus… Romans 15:5 NRSVue

“Free Your Mind”, the 1990s R&B anthem by En Vogue, carried a refrain that became a cultural call to action: “Free your mind and the rest will follow”. It challenged listeners to liberate themselves from societal prejudices, suggesting that internal liberation of one’s mind leads to an external change, that “the rest” will follow.

While the song challenged listeners to look beyond the surface and acknowledge the humanity of others, it never named the source for the mind’s renewal or the realm into which “the rest” will follow. Romans 15:1-17 provides the framework. Paul moves us beyond human “will power” and offers a radical replacement, the mind of Christ, received not for self-improvement, but for the strengthening of others.

I face this choice daily, especially during Lent, to either embrace the mind of Christ or drift into the idle distractions of the day, including the endless cycle of “mindless doom scrolling”. If an idle mind is indeed the devil’s playground, then Paul’s words serve as a necessary detox and a holy disruption pulling us away from the breeding ground of temptation and toward a life of purpose and clarity.

Paul calls the strong to support the weak (v. 1-6), practicing a unity rooted in selflessness and following Christ’s sacrificial example. In this unity, we learn to hope together and praise God with one voice (v. 7-13), accepting one another as Christ accepted us. This is the true “rest” that follows, not a digital audience of judging “followers”, but a unified body of believers becoming a holy offering, sanctified by the Spirit and glorifying God (v. 14-17).

When we truly free our minds in Christ, “the rest” that follows is the shared presence of Christ over the performative platform of posting pleasure, or the willpower of self-actualization.

PRAYER: Father, transform our willpower into your divine power. May the “rest” that follows be the unity that brings you Glory. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Mrs. Alisha Marriott serves as the Promotion and Mission Education Director for the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church.

CHOOSING SURRENDER AND WITHHOLDING NOTHING

PROVERBS 3:27-32

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
 Proverbs 3:27 NRSVue

Lent is a season of surrender. A time to release our grip on anything that competes with our obedience to God. Proverbs calls us to a life that withholds nothing: not goodness, not integrity, not peace, and not trust.

This single verse confronts a quiet struggle of the human heart, the temptation to withhold goodness from ones we believe undeserving. And so, we often persuade ourselves that surrender can wait, and generosity can be postponed. Yet Lent reminds us that delayed obedience is still resistance. And choosing surrender is to release control and respond when the Holy Spirit directs us and not when it is convenient.

Proverbs makes a request, that we examine our inner motives, and calls us to surrender not only what we give, but also what we refuse to let go. Choosing surrender positions us to lay aside attitudes and actions that do not reflect God’s character. And it opens our hearts to live freely, withholding nothing.

Proverbs assures that those who surrender fully, who withhold nothing from their neighbor and God, are invited into deeper relationship with God. Because in giving up, we gain; in surrendering, we are strengthened; and in withholding nothing, we align with the heart of God. During this season of Lent, ask yourself, what is God inviting me to surrender completely? Withholding nothing, from others and especially from the One who has already given us everything.

PRAYER: Father, help us to surrender. To remove our desire to withhold that which is good. Help us to trust you fully, to live in obedience and to withhold nothing. Shape us into vessels who reflect your goodness and spirit of giving. AMEN.

Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Peters is the Louisiana Conference Director of Christian Education, the Pastor of Tasker AME Zion Church, Ponchatoula, LA, a teacher, wife, mother, and servant leader by design.