Journey to Easter – 40-Day Creative Lent Devotional – Day 8: What Is Pure Religion?

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caring for orphans

 

Day 8: What Is Pure Religion?

Opening Prayer

opening prayer

Lord, as we reflect on what it means to have pure religion in Your sight, search our hearts and minds. Reveal any areas where we have strayed from a life of love, compassion, and care for the vulnerable. Forgive us for times when rituals have replaced righteousness, or when faith has not resulted in faithful living. Purify our motives and desires so that in all things You receive glory. By Your Spirit, teach us afresh the beauty of undefiled religion—to look after orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world. Draw near to us now as we seek you, ready to guide our thoughts and actions into paths of loving service. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture Reading and Reflection

widows

 

James 1:27 KJV

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Reflection:

James defines true religion as more than just rituals, rules, or regular church attendance. At its core is active compassion – looking after “orphans and widows in their distress.“ Pure worship is demonstrated not just in prayer and praise, but in practical mercy toward the vulnerable.

It’s easy to get caught up in religious performances, mouthing prayers and affirmations while neglecting the weightier matters of justice and kindness. But God calls us to a holistic faith that impacts both our vertical devotion and horizontal deeds. We show we truly know and revere God through how we treat “the least of these.”

This challenges me to consider if my faith bears fruit in others’ lives. Do I just tithe and attend services, or do I also advocate for the oppressed, befriend the lonely, and give generously to those in need? Am I too comfortable while others suffer lack? True religion means inconveniencing myself for the good of others.

May the Lord open my eyes to see where I can better minister as a channel of His compassion. In small acts of service, I can offer proof of my love for Him. Help me apply this definition of undefiled religion in ever more tangible ways, heavenly Father, for your glory and the good of those around me.

Hymn:

Have I Done My Best for Jesus?

1 I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus, Who died upon the cruel tree? To think of His great sacrifice at Calv’ry! I know my Lord expects the best from me.

Refrain: How many are the lost that I have lifted? How many are the chained I’ve helped to free? I wonder, have I done my best for Jesus, When He has done so much for me?

2 The hours that I have wasted are so many, The hours I’ve spent for Christ so few; Because of all my lack of love for Jesus, I wonder if His heart is breaking too. [Refrain]

3 I wonder, have I cared enough for others, Or have I let them die alone? I might have helped a wand’rer to the Saviour, The seed of precious Life I might have sown. [Refrain]

4 No longer will I stay within the valley– I’ll climb to mountain heights above; The world is dying now for want of someone To tell them of the Saviour’s matchless love. [Refrain]

Lyrics: E. Edwin Young, Music: Harry E. Storrs

Creative Activities: 1. Scripture Writing

scripture writing   Write out James 1:27 in your best handwriting on the Scripture writing page which you can download below. Please download the Scripture Writing Page below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only. Commercial use not allowed.

Download Scripture Writing Page

scripture writing day 8DOWNLOAD NOW

Creative Activities: 2. Bible Journaling

bible journaling

Re-read James 1:27 with an open heart, allowing its message of mercy to resonate deeply. Consider underlining words that describe caring for the vulnerable or circling phrases about faith expressed through actions. You may feel led to illustrate images near key parts of the verse, such as images of caring for orphans and widows. Rewrite portions of this Scripture that particularly stand out to you, surrounding them with your drawings as a reminder. Decorate with details like a warm smile or blanket to demonstrate your desire to serve others with compassion. Carve out time for reflection – how can you mirror the Lord’s care through selfless deeds? He longs to provide opportunities if you are willing. Ask Him for wisdom about even one small, practical way to live this week as an expression of your devotion. May this creative study of James 1:27 inspire and empower you to keep a religion that is pure and faultless in His sight. Through prayer, seek the Spirit’s empowering presence as you determine to love others well with both spirit and truth.

Creative Activities: 3. Doodling

doodling

  Allow images to emerge that represent caring for orphans and widows as James described. Consider illustrating:
  • A mother’s arms holding an orphaned child close
  • Small hands of children playing together for companionship
  • A widow’s shoulders comforted with a shawl or coat for warmth
  • Food or other provisions being delivered to sustain those in need
As you doodle, reflect on how you can embody Christ’s heart for these vulnerable groups. What means could the Lord provide for you to practically assist orphans or widows in your community? Come to Him freely with both drawings and prayers, asking for creative ideas and courage to act on opportunities to extend help and hope. Seek His empowering Spirit that you may develop compassionate awareness and action on behalf of the fatherless and alone. Let these doodles inspire dedication to upholding God’s call to defend and provide for the defenseless. He longs to use our hands and feet to spread kindness to the afflicted.

Please download the Doodle Printable below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only.

Commercial use not allowed.

Download Doodle Printable

doodling day 8DOWNLOAD NOW

Creative Activities: 4. Journaling

journaling

 

Reflect and Journal:

  • As you have reflected on caring for orphans and widows, what specific steps does God bring to mind for how you could support those in need through your unique talents, schedule or resources in the coming week?
Please download the Journal Printable below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only. Commercial use not allowed.

Download Journal Printable

journaling day 8DOWNLOAD NOW

Applying and Taking Action

applying and taking action

  How might you actively live out James 1:27 in the days ahead? Consider:
  • Calling a local orphanage or women’s shelter to offer your time or abilities in any way needed.
  • Checking on an elderly neighbor or single friend, running an errand or lend an ear to someone.
  • Donating gently used items or setting aside small gifts to bless those with few provisions.
Pray over the promptings you received through studying this passage. Ask God for boldness and opportunities to obey, even in small ways. Expect that as you walk in faith through acts of compassion, He will work in you to deepen your care and dependence on Him. Now go, and may the Lord’s light shine through your mercy shown to others this week.

Closing Prayer

closing prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the beauty and power of undefiled religion through James’ words. Open our eyes to real needs around us and stir our hearts with Your compassion. Give us willing hands and feet to serve others in Jesus’ name. As we seek to put faith into action this week through acts of mercy, be near to strengthen and guide us. Fill us afresh with Your love so that it overflows outward. May Your grace through us point many to Jesus Christ whose life was defined by service. We pray in the powerful name of Christ, who displayed perfect love. Amen.

 

If you have been blessed by this Creative Lent Devotional, please share it with others. Many thanks. God bless you!

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