Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt … Continue reading Jesus in the Garden, Day 1
Author: Greg Hildenbrand
I am a contemplative spiritual director, author, and a leader of contemporary and blended worship at First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kansas. I am a happily married father of two awesome, adult children. I write a blog, Life Notes, every week and have published numerous books and music CDs, all of which are available on my website and other typical outlets. I enjoy writing, both music and text, and exploring and experiencing where spirit meets matter, in both seen and unseen ways.
Ash Wednesday
By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19 Meditation The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day of prayer and fasting. It is a day to remember … Continue reading Ash Wednesday
Introduction to Lenten Series 2026, Part 2
Introduction to Lenten Series 2026, Part 2 In order to gain the most during the season of Lent, I encourage you to devote 15 or so minutes per day on each essay. Find a quiet place with minimal distractions and focus your attention on each day’s lesson. Although I have provided recommended spiritual disciplines and … Continue reading Introduction to Lenten Series 2026, Part 2
Introduction to Lenten Series 2026
In 2015, I published a book titled Finding Grace in Lent. It consisted of daily devotions for the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter based on the Stations of the Cross. Today, I will begin republishing edited versions of those devotions as a daily series running through Easter. The story of the journey to Easter … Continue reading Introduction to Lenten Series 2026
Podcast of “Blessing the Poor,” Part 4
Blessing the Poor, Part 4
Blessing the Poor, Part 4 “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”[1] Although the content of the teachings we call the Beatitudes, found in Matthew, and what we call the Blessings and Woes, found in Luke are similar in many ways, there are also interesting differences between them. For example, … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 4
Podcast of “Blessing the Poor, Part 3”
Blessing the Poor, Part 3
Blessing the Poor, Part 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] What is the difference between being poor in spirit and simply being poor? While I believe what is called the Beatitudes in Matthew and … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 3
Podcast of “Blessing the Poor, Part 2”
Blessing the Poor, Part 2
Blessing the Poor, Part 2 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] Last week I provided a few definitions of what it means to be poor. The previous week I shared my thoughts about heaven. With … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 2
Contemplating Grace 