Daily Prayer

Take a moment before you begin this morning and just slowly and meaningfully pray this prayer.

In fervent cries and whispered groans, hear us Jesus
In unmet needs and lonely spaces, see us Jesus
When overwhelmed and lost in fog, guide us Jesus
With feelings numb and distractions plenty, you love us Jesus!
Amen

Daily Scripture: John 12:20-33

Find the above scripture in your bible and read slowly – you might want to read it out loud. You can read it here.

Lenten Reflection

Today’s reflection will be an invitation to practice a historical spiritual exercise that uses our imaginations to reflect upon a passage of Scripture. St Ignatius of Loyola was a priest who developed different spiritual exercises whilst recovering from an injury and whilst bed-bound, one of the things that he would do to pass the time was to imagine himself as present in the stories from the Gospels.

He found this practice so helpful and life-giving that he bagan to teach it to others and so began the tradition that we are using today. It is a really simple exercise and it’s main points are outlined below. Use today’s Scripture and jsut follow these simple steps:

1. Read the passage through and look for the big picture: who are the main characters? Where are they? What’s happening?
2. Then read the passage again and look for some more details: who else is there? what else is described? How is is described?
3. Now close your eyes, take the details you have gathered and imagine yourself as present in the scene. Try and imagine details such as what time of day it is, the tone of voice used, facial expressions, smells, and clothing etc.

What new questions or insights into this passage has this opened up for you?

Lenten Quote

“As dreadful as his destiny as Son of Man might be, those who choose to follow him may expect nothing other than the opposition that will become his trademark by the end of the narrative. This is not because Jesus is a masochist who embraces suffering, but because he is unreservedly committed to the purpose of God—a purpose that resists, and is resisted by, the habits and patterns and powers of the larger world. As the Son of Man fulfills God’s design, he will encounter hostility and experience great suffering; can those who follow him along the path of God’s purpose expect less?”

| Joel Green

Lenten Song: Citizens

Here is the song again, but with the lyrics. So incredible.

Closing Blessing

May the voice of love steady your feet as you follow Him in all His ways
May His kindness be a balm to life’s hard edges and thorns
May His great compassion and mercy fill you with wonder
And may his wisdom lead you to the secret place
May he ever restore to you the joy of your salvation
Amen.

No Evening Zoom Reflection Tonight!

As it is Friday there will be no evening reflection over Zoom tonight but we look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

We would love to make this a shared learning experience as much as possible so therefore please consider adding any thoughts, questions and insights that might arise for you in the comments section below. We would love to hear what God is up to in this time!