First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Abba Father

As we awake to each new day,

may we be aware of the breath we take.

Before we even open our eyes,

may we inhale deeply the life you give.

Despite the struggles or challenges,

let us count the blessings and

be fully aware of the love you have for us!

AMEN!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

• What is God telling you this Lenten season that you should not do?
• Is there a serpent in your life telling you untruths to keep you from fulfillment?

 Romans 5:12-19

• How have you sacrificed or given to another in order for them to have life?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with God?
• What transgressions keep you from relationship (or deeper relationship) with others?

 Matthew 4:1-11

• Jesus uses scripture to ward off the devil’s temptations. What scripture can you use to help give you strength to fight temptation?
• What desert places have you encountered?
• Are you in the desert now? How does the scripture give you courage to overcome?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Name the things that tempt you. When you do so, does it change the way you look at them?
• Are there people in your life whom you have given you bad advice? Do you still ask them to help you make decisions?
• How do you know a relationship is of God? (meaning, the person has your best interests at heart)
• What faults are you hiding from the world?
• Are there things about you no other human person knows?
• Is there an experience you have had or can relate to that confirms for you that nothing is hidden from God?
• What do you desire? How do you know if it is good or bad?  By what do you measure?
• Jesus was willing to die for you; what are you giving up for him?
• How does sin weigh you down?
• What do you carry more of? The action of Sin? Or the guilt of Sin? Is there a difference?
• How are the 40 days of Lent like the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert?
• What symbol of Lent means the most to you? Why?  (choose a symbol to reflect on and help you through Lent)

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  Let us remember…

ALL:  we are clay.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we can be hard and dry.

Leader:  As clay…

 ALL:  we must be molded.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we can take on many forms.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we are created perfectly.

Leader:  As clay…

ALL:  we withstand the fire.

Leader:  This Lent…

ALL:  we are clay!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Simple challenge.  Plant a seed TODAY.  Gather dirt into a plastic cup, a pot or whatever you can find.  Tend to it throughout the Lenten Season and continue to nurture it through the Easter Season too.  Each time you look at it, water it or spin it in the sunlight, Thank God for caring for you.