Local church hosts online Lenten devotional
Starting on Ash Wednesday, the First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines will host The Prayers of Jesus on its website, fumcdp.org.
The program includes a daily Bible reading, a reflection and an original prayer by a member of a local church, and a comments section open to everyone.
"While this is hosted by First United Methodist, neighbors from the Bridge, St. Mary Catholic Church, other local churches and even some from out of state have volunteered to write a day's reflection," explained Walt Dibbern, who is leading the effort to establish the devotional, the first for FUMC.
Dibbern says that, while he expects many to begin their mornings by reading and reflecting on these prayers of Jesus, they're open to everyone 24/7, and anyone can join in any time, starting any day during Lent. "You might use them as a way to calm down after a stressful day, or perhaps turn to them during a sleepless night," he says.
"We're hoping the devotional gives comfort and inspiration to people throughout the area, even those who are not sure what their beliefs are," he adds.
You can access the devotional, starting Wednesday, Feb. 14, from the home page of fumcdp.org.