Lent Guide | Week 2
Theme: Dawn
“The darkness had faded just enough so that for the first time, he can dimly see his opponent’s face. And what he sees is something more terrible than the face of death — the face of love. It is vast and strong, half-ruined with suffering and fierce with joy, the face a man flees down all the darkness of his days until at last, he cries out, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me!’ Not a blessing that he can have now by the strength of his cunning or the force of his will, but a blessing that he can have only as a gift.” - Frederick Buechner, The Magnificent Defeat
What is dawn but breaking darkness? No. Dawn is a story of hope. Light is the lead and the strange revealer. Buechner’s quote above tells the story of Jacob. A man whose wit won him riches, but in the end, it was neither strength nor wit that won the day. Weakness and defeat led Jacob to long for God's blessing for what he could not win.
As we come into the second week of Lent, let us consider light differently. It is how we see the face of love contending for us, not against us. May we cling to God for his blessing.
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Lord, help me be fully alive in your presence. Enfold me in your love. May my heart feel the pulse of your own. My soul longs for your presence, Lord. When I turn my thoughts to you, I find peace and contentment.
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Jesus, I yield. Here is my ambition. I yield. Here is my lust. I yield. Here is my hope. I yield. I yield to your will and way. I welcome your invitation. Help me here in this place. I do not want to be open, and I want your life pressed deeper still into my own. I yield.
(Attend to each day’s scripture)
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I cannot see what you have not shown me. Shine your light on my darkened heart. Show me the way of hope. Lift my gaze to the dawn. How are you moving? What are your hopes for this day, this moment, this breath?
(Take a moment to notice your breath. What do you smell? Is it savory or sweet? Take a moment to catch the light around you. Is it bright? What do you see? Ask God to show you how he sees you in the place you are.)
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I thank you, Father, that you have delivered me from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of your beloved Son.
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Sunday, March 6th, 2022 - Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Our journey with God is not one of ease, and we are met with trouble, frustration, and challenges within and without. Notice where God is with his people in the face of trouble and take heart that God is with you even now.
Monday, March 7th, 2022 - Luke 2:22-32
Allow the sudden arrival of praise to lead you to ask God where he is moving. Holy Spirit, where are you at work? May you open my ears to the sound of your arrival?
Tuesday, March 8th, 2022 - Luke 3:3–6, 10–14
What shall we do? Is this not the question we ask? For John, the simplest way is the way of justice. Consider what Jesus’ call to justice is in your life? And ask for light to shine on the next right step so that you may take it.
Wednesday, March 9th, 2022 - Luke 4:14–30
A prayer: Lord, teach me to listen to you even when you offend my senses.
Thursday, March 10th, 2022 - Luke 5:1-11
A prayer: Jesus, may your voice be a place of confidence and security. May I open myself to listen. Amen.
Friday, March 11th, 2022 - Luke 6:20-27
Reread verses 20-23 slowly and begin to sing them. Make up a tune. Allow hope to arrive.
Saturday, March 12th, 2022 - Luke 13:31–35
A prayer: Lord, I seek shelter in you this day, and I relinquish my need to self-protect and say you are my shelter. Amen.