Ebook
A dedication to prayer, a pastoral heart, and a love for Scripture come together in this collection of devotions. Originally written for congregation members during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, these devotions explore every facet of Scripture from the Wisdom writings to the Revelation of St. John. Composed for daily use, they follow the liturgical calendar, beginning in the season of Lent, when the pandemic first exploded in the Midwest, and continue through the following Epiphany season, one year later. Each day’s devotion includes a substantial portion of Scripture, a brief reflection, and a prayer. It is the hope of the author, an active Lutheran pastor, that all who feel “quarantined,” whether in a pandemic or not, might find comfort, encouragement, and wisdom in these devotions.
“Glenn Monson writes with the care and concern of a pastor.
. . . The themes go beyond COVID-19, of course. Race
relations, political divisions, and loving our neighbors, to name a
few. In the process, we’re reminded how the Bible continues to
speak to our world today, and how pastors like Glenn keep calling
us to live faithfully during challenging times.”
—Vern Christopherson, Pastor, Zumbro Lutheran Church, retired
“From the Psalms to the book of Lamentations, the experiences of
Job, the words of Jesus in the Gospels, and the Epistles of Paul,
Pastor Monson guides us through days of isolation and uncertainty.
His insights from years of pastoral ministry shine through in
intimate ways as he offers daily doses of hope through scriptural
gems . . . . Thank you, Pastor Monson, for the gift
of these wise and insightful meditations.”
—Gordon Olson, Founding Director, Lutheran Partners in Global
Ministry
“Isolating oneself—quarantining—for daily devotions has long been
known to promote spiritual wellness. Monson beautifully weaves the
timeless promises of Scripture into the reality of the seasons of
the church year as they evolve during the unique time of
quarantining during a pandemic. Naming fears, hopes, and unknowns,
these devotions speak to what is known—God is faithful.
Daily reading evokes a confidence and trust in God’s steadfast
grace, love, and peace.”
—Anjanette K. Bandel, Lead Pastor, Bethel Lutheran Church
“Glenn Monson’s pastoral heart shines through in these thoughtful
devotionals. Offered for the faithful people of a specific
congregation, they speak God’s word of hope to all who journey in
difficult times. Comfort, strength, and courage are the gifts of
God offered by Glenn for the dear people he serves and for
you.”
—Peter Nycklemoe, Senior Pastor, Central Lutheran Church
Glenn L. Monson is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of America, having served in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Ordained
in 1991 from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary in St. Paul,
Minnesota, he completed his DMin degree at the Lutheran School of
Theology at Chicago in 2003. An earlier work of his, Afflicting
the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, has been used
globally by preachers seeking a clearer understanding of law and
gospel preaching.