Reflection 1 – Prayer and Preparation
Good morning; may the Lord be with you. (Response) And also with you.
-Are you ready for Christmas? When do you start preparing?
In Luke chapter 21, verses 33-36, Jesus reminds us to be ready for something else, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you like a trap. For it will come upon all people everywhere on earth. Be on watch and pray always that you will have the strength to go safely through all those things that will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Jesus reminds us that the day when he will come again to judge the world is coming and we need to be ready. Lent is a time to prepare for the celebrations of the good news of Easter, but also to keep our hearts and mind prepared for him to come again.
-A good question to keep in mind is, ‘Am I ready’?
Prayer 1
Let us pray, Merciful Lord,
In this period of Lent, let us open our hearts to you, that you might put our thoughts and feelings in order. May we know the certainty of your love and forgiveness and pour out your grace on us as we remember your sacrifice and resurrection. Amen.
Reflection 2 – Fasting
Good morning; may the Lord be with you. (Response) And also with you.
-What helps you focus?
In Acts 14 verse 23, Luke writes, ‘In each church they appointed elders, and with prayers and fasting they commended them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
In Lent, fasting is where believers voluntarily abstain from food, drink, or other physical needs to dedicate specific time to focus on God. It involves denying ourselves something (typically food) to ‘feast on’ the things of God and learn to rely more on God not stuff
-What are you going to give up / take up this Lent - Perhaps use the time to get to know God better?
Prayer 2
Let us pray, Father God, Forgive us for craving anything more than you. Please redirect our hunger, and open our eyes to the benefits of fasting. Open our hearts to you like never before. And help those who wish to, to fast so that we might hold fast to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflection 3 – Giving
Good morning; may the Lord be with you. (Response) And also with you.
-How far would you go to help a family member? A friend? A stranger?
In 1 John 3 verses 16-17 John writes, ‘This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We too, then, ought to give our lives for others! If we are rich and see others in need, yet close our hearts against them, how can we claim that we love God?’
-What do you think of Jesus dying on the Cross for us?
-How could you better look to the interests of others and treat people better?
Prayer 3
Let us pray, Lord, This week and up until Easter, help us to enjoy and give thanks to you for the bounty you provide for us and remind us to share your gifts with others. And as Lent begins tomorrow, prepare our hearts and minds to reflect upon the temptation of Jesus for 40 days and nights and what that means for us. Amen