lent 2026 consecration
all in: the way of yes
Lent is a sacred season of consecration at Crosstown — a time to focus on growing closer to God together through prayer, fasting, meditation on God’s Word, and daily obedience.
Our consecration doesn’t earn God’s favor — in Christ, we already have God’s favor. Instead, Lent is a sacred invitation to respond more fully to the grace we’ve already received — deepening our trust, disciplining our desires, and opening our lives to experience God’s power in even greater ways.
From Ash Wednesday (February 18) through Holy Thursday (April 2), we will walk The Way of Yes together as a congregation, experiencing what it means to be All In for Christ and His Church.
Begin with the Consecration Guide below. Then plan to join us each Wednesday at 7pm CT for Crosstown Midweek as we follow Jesus together.
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Wednesday, February 18 (Ash Wednesday) The Honest Yes Scripture: Joel 2:12–13 (CSB) Even now – this is the Lord’s declaration – turn to me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster. Devotional Thought The first word of Lent is not “do more for God” — it is “return to God.” Ashes remind us of our limits, our need, and our utter dependence on grace. God does not ask us to clean ourselves up before coming back to Him. He simply asks for our hearts. Prayer Lord, we return to You with fragile, honest hearts.
Thursday, February 19 The Yes That Names Our Need Scripture: Psalm 51:16-17 (CSB) You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; you are not pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God. Devotional Thought God is not impressed by put-on appearances or religious performance. What He desires first is a heart that knows – and is willing to name – its need for Him. When we admit our brokenness, we create space for God’s mercy to meet us. Prayer God, we bring You our true selves, not our best selves. Friday, February 20 The Yes That Turns Toward God Scripture: James 4:8 (CSB) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Devotional Thought Repentance is not about shame – it is about direction. To repent means to change your mind – to simply turn back toward God, trusting that He welcomes us. The opportunity to repent is evidence of God’s grace in action in our lives. When we take even a small step toward Him, Scripture promises that He draws near to us. Prayer Lord, we turn our hearts toward You again. Monday, February 23 The Call to Follow Scripture: Luke 9:23 (CSB) Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Devotional Thought Jesus doesn’t force anyone to follow Him. He invites us. But He is honest about what it means. To “take up your cross” is to let Jesus lead your life instead of trying to lead it yourself. That can feel hard. It may mean giving up habits, attitudes, or plans that do not honor Him. But the One who calls us to follow is the same One who gave His life for us. Obedience is not about earning love. It is about trusting the One who already loves you. Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself fully for me. Tuesday, February 24 Love that Obeys Scripture: John 14:15 (CSB) If you love me, you will keep my commands. Devotional Thought Obedience is not about fear. It is about love. When someone loves you and wants what is best for you, you learn to trust their words. Jesus’ commands are not meant to crush us. They are meant to shape us into people who live in freedom and truth. When we obey Him, we are saying, “Jesus, I believe You know what is best.” Love for Christ leads to obedience—not out of pressure, but out of gratitude. Prayer Lord, help me to deepen my love for You. Wednesday, February 25 A Daily Yes Scripture: Luke 9:23 (CSB) Then he said to them all, “If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Devotional Thought Notice that Jesus says we are to take up our crosses “daily.” Following Him is not one big decision made once and forgotten. It is a choice we are invited to make again and again. Prayer Lord, give me grace for today’s yes.
Thursday, February 26 A New Life in Christ Scripture: Galatians 2:20 (CSB) I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Devotional Thought When we follow Jesus, something changes deep inside us. The old way of living – ruled by sin and self – has been put to death with Christ. A new life begins to grow. Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. That means we are not trying to obey in our own strength. He gives us the power to do what we could not do alone. Obedience becomes possible only because Christ loves us, is present with us, and is active within us. Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and giving Yourself for me. Friday, February 27 The Call to Follow Scripture: Hebrews 12:2 (CSB) Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Devotional Thought Jesus endured the cross because He saw the joy ahead. He knew that suffering would not be the end of the story. When obedience feels hard, remember that God always works with a bigger picture in mind. Our obedience is never pointless. God always works with resurrection in mind. Prayer Lord, help me stay focused on Jesus and hold onto hope when obedience feels hard. Monday, March 2 Faithful in the Small Scripture: Luke 16:10 (CSB) “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much.” Devotional Thought Faithfulness is often formed in small, unseen moments. We may long for big opportunities, but God shapes character through a life of ordinary, simple faithfulness. The way we speak, the way we serve, the way we manage time — these daily decisions matter. God is not only watching public victories; He is shaping private faithfulness. Small yeses build strong disciples. Prayer Lord, help me honor You in the small things today. Tuesday, March 3 Established Steps Scripture: Psalm 37:23 (CSB) A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. Devotional Thought God delights in steady obedience. Faithfulness does not mean perfection — it means persistence. Even when progress feels slow, the Lord is guiding your steps. You may not see dramatic change overnight, but daily obedience forms a life that pleases Him. Trust that God is working through your steady walk. Prayer Father, establish my steps in Your truth. Wednesday, March 4 The Call to Follow Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 (CSB) Because of the Lord’s faithful love, we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! Devotional Thought Your faithfulness rests on God’s faithfulness. His mercy meets you again each morning. Yesterday’s failures do not cancel today’s grace. God’s steadfast love sustains your steady obedience. Every new day is a new opportunity to say yes. Prayer Lord, thank You for mercy that meets me every morning.
Thursday, March 5 Do Not Grow Weary Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (CSB) Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Devotional Thought Faithfulness can feel tiring. Obedience does not always bring quick results. But Scripture reminds us that there is a harvest in due season. God sees your endurance. Keep planting seeds of obedience and trust Him with the growth. Prayer Dear God, strengthen me when I feel weary. Friday, March 6 Finish the Race Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7 (CSB) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Devotional Thought Faithfulness is not just about starting with good intentions – it is about finishing well. The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a steady race. What matters most is not how loudly we start, but how faithfully we continue. God honors endurance rooted in trust. Prayer Lord, keep me steady and strong. Monday, March 9 Apart from Me Scripture: John 15:5 (CSB) “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” Devotional Thought Jesus speaks clearly: apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value. Dependence is not weakness – it is wisdom. When we admit our need, we position ourselves to receive from God – His love, peace, joy, and strength. The branch does not strain to produce any fruit on its own – it simply stays connected to the vine. Prayer Lord, keep me close to You. Tuesday, March 10 Cry for Mercy Scripture: Mark 10:47 (CSB) "When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’" Devotional Thought In Mark 10, Blind Bartimaeus cried out in desperation when he heard that Jesus was passing by. He did not hide his need. He did not pretend to be strong or self-sufficient. He asked for mercy – unapologetically and dependently.
Prayer Gracious God, I need Your mercy. Wednesday, March 11 Grace is Enough Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB) “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfect in weakness.’” Devotional Thought Even when we are dependent on God, He does not remove every struggle. Instead, He promises us sufficient grace. His power shines brightest in our weakness when we surrender it to Him. When we feel inadequate, we are reminded that Christ is enough. Prayer Lord, let Your grace be enough for me today.
Thursday, March 12 Daily Bread Scripture: Matthew 6:11 (CSB) “Give us today our daily bread.” Devotional Thought Dependence on God is a daily discipline. We ask God for what we need today, not next year. This prayer – and this cadence of daily prayer – teaches us the joy of daily trust. God is a faithful provider. We can come to Him with confidence. Prayer Father, provide what I need for this day. Friday, March 13 Near to the Brokenhearted Scripture: Psalm 34:18 (CSB) The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. Devotional Thought Desperation draws us near to God. When our hearts are heavy, He is close. He does not turn away from weakness; He moves toward it with compassion. Prayer Lord, draw near to me in my weakness. Monday, March 16 Be Still Scripture: Psalm 46:10 (CSB) “Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” Devotional Thought Trusting in God is a process. And it all begins with stillness. Prayer Sovereign Lord, You alone can quiet my anxious thoughts. Tuesday, March 17 Trust Beyond Understanding Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. Devotional Thought Trust is most real when understanding is limited. We prefer clarity, plans, and guarantees. But Scripture calls us to rely on the Lord more than our own reasoning. To trust “with all your heart” means placing your confidence fully in God’s character. He sees what you cannot see. He understands what you cannot yet understand. A straight path does not mean an easy path — it means a directed one. Trust aligns us with God’s guidance even when the way feels uncertain. Prayer Father, I confess that I often lean on my own understanding. Wednesday, March 18 The Gentle Whisper of God Scripture: 1 Kings 19:12 (CSB) “…And after the fire there was a voice, a soft whisper.” Devotional Thought The prophet Elijah expected God in the dramatic wind and fire. Instead, God spoke in a gentle whisper. Trust requires attentiveness. We often look for loud signs, but God often shapes us through quiet conviction and steady guidance. Silence is not emptiness; it is space for communion with Him. When we slow down, we begin to recognize the subtle movements of the Spirit. The silent yes listens carefully and responds faithfully. Prayer Lord, thank You for speaking to my heart.
Thursday, March 19 Strength in Confidence Scripture: Isaiah 30:15 (CSB) “For the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has said: ‘You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength will lie in quiet confidence.’” Devotional Thought True strength is rarely loud or hurried. God tells His people that deliverance comes through returning and resting. Quiet confidence is not the denial of difficulty; it is assurance in God’s faithfulness. When we return to Him, we find steadiness. Trust does not remove hardship, but it anchors the soul within it. The silent yes chooses confidence in God over panic in challenging circumstances. Prayer Holy God, anchor my heart in quiet confidence in You. Friday, March 20 Courage to Wait Scripture: Psalm 27:14 (CSB) Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord. Devotional Thought Waiting is not weakness — it is disciplined trust. Scripture connects waiting with courage because it takes strength to resist rushing ahead of God. When answers delay, faith deepens. Waiting refines our motives and clarifies our dependence. The silent yes does not force outcomes; it trusts God’s timing. Courage grows in the space between promise and fulfillment. Prayer Lord, I confess that Your plans for me are good. Monday, March 23 In View of Mercy Scripture: Romans 12:1 (CSB) Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Devotional Thought Submission begins with mercy. Paul does not suggest surrender apart from grace — he roots it in “the mercies of God.” Because Christ has already given Himself for us, we now offer ourselves back to Him. A living sacrifice means daily availability to God’s will. This is not a loss of identity – it is alignment with purpose. Real worship is not confined to songs; it is embodied surrender. The yielding yes flows from gratitude, not fear. Prayer Merciful Lord, I confess that Your grace has been consistent. Tuesday, March 24 Yielded Clay Scripture: Jeremiah 18:6 (CSB) “’House of Israel, can I not treat you as this potter treats the clay?’ — this is the Lord’s declaration. ‘Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.’” Devotional Thought Submission is not merely doing what God says. It is allowing God to shape who we are in totality. Clay does not argue with the potter. It yields to his hands. In the same way, the yielding yes says, “Lord, form me.” Sometimes, that shaping feels very uncomfortable. God presses, smooths, and reshapes parts of us that resist His design. Prayer Sovereign Lord, shape my heart according to Your will. Wednesday, March 25 The Humility of Christ Scripture: Philippians 2:8 (CSB) He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross. Devotional Thought Christ’s obedience at Calvary was not partial — it was complete. His humility secured our salvation. Submission reflects the character of Jesus Himself. When we yield to God, we mirror His heart. The yielding yes is shaped by the cross — not as self-punishment, but as self-giving love. Because Christ humbled Himself for us, we can humbly follow Him. Prayer Lord, thank You for the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary.
Thursday, March 26 Led by the Spirit Scripture: Romans 8:14 (CSB) For all those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons. Devotional Thought Submission is not passive compliance. It is an active responsiveness to the Holy Spirit’s leading. God does not command from a distance; He guides from within. To yield is to remain attentive to the Lord’s prompting. The Holy Spirit shapes our desires, guides our steps, and strengthens our obedience. The yielding yes says, “Holy Spirit, lead – and, by your grace, I will follow.” Prayer Dear God, thank You for the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Friday, March 27 Under His Mighty Hand Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6 (CSB) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time. Devotional Thought Submission trusts God with outcomes. Humility places our lives under His sovereign hand. Promotion and increase belong to God’s timing, not ours. Yielding frees us from striving for recognition or control. The yielding yes rests confidently beneath the Lord’s wise and loving authority. Prayer Almighty God, I place myself under Your hand. Monday, March 30 A Costly Offering Scripture: Mark 14:3 (CSB) While he was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured it on his head. Devotional Thought This woman’s act was extravagant and irreversible. Once the jar was broken, it could not be gathered back. Surrender often feels like that – complete and costly. She gave what was precious because she believed Jesus was worthy. The final yes releases what we treasure most into Christ’s hands. It is not about loss; it is about devotion. Prayer Lord, You are worthy of my whole life. Tuesday, March 31 Into Your Hands Scripture: Luke 23:46 (CSB) And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last. Devotional Thought Devotional Thought These final words from Jesus on the cross were words of trust. Even in suffering, He entrusted Himself fully to the Father. Surrender is confidence in God’s goodness – even when circumstances lead us to question or doubt. Surrender is placing our present and our future into His care. The final yes rests in the faithfulness of the Father alone. Prayer Father, I entrust my life to You. Wednesday, April 1 It Is Finished Scripture: John 19:30 (CSB) When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then, bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. Devotional Thought Our surrender stands on Christ’s finished work. We do not strive to complete what He has already accomplished. The cross declares that our salvation is secure! The final yes is not an attempt to earn God’s grace; it is a response to the grace God has already given. We surrender from victory, not for victory. Prayer Lord, thank You that the work is finished.
Thursday, April 2 Loved to the End Scripture: John 13:1 (CSB) Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Devotional Thought From the first yes to the final yes, one thing has remained consistent: love is the key. Jesus loved fully and faithfully to the end. His love did not waver in moments of betrayal or suffering. When we surrender, we are responding to God’s steadfast love. The cross proves that Christ is All In for us. Our final yes echoes His faithful love back to Him. Prayer Dear Lord, anchor my heart in Your steadfast love. |