2018 Lenten Journey

Today is Friday the 16 February, in the Season of Lent

Centering Prayer:

Sit quietly for a couple of minutes and ask the Holy Spirit to be with you in this time of prayer and meditation as you seek to genuinely encounter God. Use the words of Samuel as a breath prayer as you gently breathe in and out and say, “Speak Lord, for your servant your name is listening (1 Samuel 3:10).

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Try the Lectio Divina Method to hear from God through scripture

• First Reading: Your first reading is an opportunity to get to know the scripture passage. Make note of words or phrases that catch your attention. Read the passage again, aloud.
• Second Reading: Focus further on the words or phrases that caught your attention. Where is God nudging you?
• Third Reading: Respond by recording your thoughts by journaling so you will remember what you’ve learned (see picture below).
• Fourth Reading: Sit in silence for five minutes and allow God’s Spirit to work in you.

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Scripture: Today’s reading is from Psalm 25:1-10 (New Revised Standard Version)

1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. 3 Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you, I wait all day long. 6 Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! 8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Reflection: As baptized Christians, we promise, according to the grace given us, to keep God’s holy will and commandments and walk in the same all the days of our lives as faithful members of Christ’s Holy Church (The United Methodist Book of Worship, Baptismal Covenant III, p. 108).

The Psalmist lifts up his soul (whole self) in a prayer of utter dependence upon God (verse 1). He sincerely desires to live in God’s presence and do God’s holy will. For that, he needs God’s help and instruction on how to do it.  His prayer is filled with appeals to God such as “Don’t let me be put to shame,” “Make me know your ways,” “teach me your paths,” “lead me in your truth,” “be mindful of your mercy,” and, “Do not remember the sins of my youth.”

In this season of Lent, we have an opportunity to examine our walk with the Lord. Like the Psalmist, we can offer ourselves to God – to lift up our souls to God, if you will – pleading for God’s help and instruction as we pledge anew to keep God’s holy will and commandments and walk in the same all the days of our lives. We can humbly make bold appeals even when we have not been entirely obedient or faithful, because God is merciful, good, and loving toward us.

Reflection Question:  What do you need God to teach you this Lenten season so that you can faithfully express God’s goodness, mercy, and loving character in and through your daily life?

Prayer Focus: For those who are seeking spiritual renewal this Lenten season.

Concluding Prayer (Repeat 3 times):  Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Gloria Patri:  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.