Lent Guide | Week 1
Theme: Ashes
“Ashes are dust and dust is soil, humus; humanity and humility come from there.” - Fr. Ronald Rolheiser
Ashes speak the language of the heart that the mind dare not consider. Lent is marked by ashes to say that things are not the way they ought to be. We sit in Ashes, not for pageantry, but for healing. We declare our need and yield to God’s healing presence. Where do you need healing? Where do you need the release of God’s constant love amidst the world’s chaos?
Ashes mark the end and the beginning.
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Lord, help me to be fully alive to your holy presence. Enfold me in your love. Let my heart become one with yours. My soul longs for you, Lord. When I turn my thoughts to you, I find the hope of healing.
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Holy Father, open my eyes to see your living word. Lead me in your gentle way that I may find green pastures and cool waters. Your word is hope. Your word is life. You are word, you are life. Come, Holy Spirit.
(Attend to each day’s scripture)
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Awaken in me a new vision for life that comes forth from ashes. You, Lord, are not done with me, my community, this city. May the center of all I am open to all you are. Lord have mercy.
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Father, I honor you. Jesus Messiah, I honor you. Holy Spirit, I honor you. Thank you.
(Take a moment to breathe in slowly. Smell the scents around you. Feel the ground beneath you. Listen to the sounds coming from behind, above, all around. This life is a gift. It comes from God, let us receive it as such.)
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Wednesday, March 2nd - Luke 1:46-55
Consider naming your hopes and longings. Where do you desire God’s formation this very day?
Thursday, March 3rd - Luke 1:67-79
Sit and observe for a while, watch, listen and allow praise to come forth.
Friday, March 4th - Luke 2:8-15
What subtle messages is God speaking to you this season? What do you want him to share? What scares you? What might faith look like today?
Saturday, March 5th - Luke 4:1-13
Imagine yourself standing with Jesus amid the test. What is he feeling, thinking, experiencing? Now, what tests are before you?