First Sunday of Lent

 

Opening Prayer

Creator God

A promise made with words

is just a bunch of words.

A promise without action

remains unfulfilled.

You, my God

have made promises

It is my faith and YOUR WORD

which tells me

I have nothing to fear

because you are with me!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Genesis 9:8-15

• What does this scripture tell you about the things God loves?
• What is Noah’s response? What is his role in making God’s promise complete?  What is your role in it?

 1 Peter 3:18-22

• The scripture says “saved by water”. Reflect on the similarities of the flood of the First Reading and your own Baptism.  Does this change your perspective or understanding of these events in anyway?
• Look for the references to each person in the Holy Trinity in this scripture. What do these references reveal about each person and how can the characteristics help you through your experience of Lent?

 Mark 1:12-15

• Share a time when you, like Jesus in the Gospel was surrounded by wild beasts.
• Share a time when you, like Jesus in the Gospel was ministered to by angels.
• What does the scripture mean that this is a time of fulfillment?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• What sign(s) of God’s love have been present in your life today?
• How do you show signs of love to others?
• Do you show love to others naturally or do you have to work to show love to others?
• Are promises easy or difficult to keep? Why or why not?
• What confirms for you that God will keep his promise(s)? Be specific.
• How can the suffering of Christ be a beacon of strength for you during Lent?
• Do you believe God can be disobedient? Why or why not?
• How have you been disobedient to God in the past? How does this affect your relationship with Him?  How does it affect your relationship with others?
• Are there circumstances in your life or relationships where there is an absence of God?
• What does conversion mean to you? Why is conversion important?
• On a scale from 1-10 how much do you believe it is possible to “create something new” within yourself? How willing are you to put in the effort needed to do this?
• At Ash Wednesday services you will hear, “You are dust and to dust you shall return” and/or “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” as ashes are placed on your forehead. What do these words really mean and how can you take them to heart this Lent?

 

Closing Prayer – Inspired by Psalm 25

Leader:  Holy Spirit come….

 ALL:  bring me awareness of your presence!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  guide me in your truth!

Leader: Holy Spirit come…

 ALL:  teach me your goodness and kindness!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  show me compassion and love!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  lead me to justice and truth!

Leader:  Holy Spirit come…

ALL:  make me a covenant of your promises!

 

Challenge for the Week:  Ash Wednesday begins the 40 day journey of Lent.  Like Jesus, you journey into the desert to be tempted and tested by things which distract you from the promises of God.  Are you prepared for the journey?  What have you brought along in your survival kit or travel bag to help you through the 40 days before Easter?  Lent is a time for renewal but in order for something to be renewed, it must die or shed it’s skin in order to reveal newness of life.  Use the Lenten practices of Prayer, Fasting and Alms-giving to get closer to God and deepen your faith!