What is Lent?
The season of Lent is the 40 days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection three days later and a time to prepare our hearts. This season has been observed by Christians all over the world for over 1,000 years.
The purpose of participating and engaging in this time of preparation is to come closer to Jesus. It is really a season of focus – focusing our attention and being intentional about the work of God in our lives.
Lent can be full of some very hard truths. We take stock of our souls and are honest with ourselves. We dig in and face pain and some things that aren’t comfortable. JRR Tolkien said, “You can only come to the morning through the shadows.” Our faith offers us hope because it does not avoid hard things, it moves through them – our Savior meets death head on.
I AM
Our Lenten series this year is called I AM. We will go through seven statements Jesus makes in John beginning with this phrase – ‘I am’. The best way to get to know someone is ask them to tell you about themselves. With these words, Jesus identifies himself fully – he tells us who he is. Once we understand this it changes everything.
Week 1 “I am the bread of life.” – Jesus
- Read ~ John 6 and Exodus 16
- Reflect ~ How is He sustaining me? How is he satisfying me? Where am I grumbling at his provision? What hunger lies within me that I am filling with something that won’t satisfy?
- Practice ~ In your prayers today, consider not requesting He provide you with something.
- Prayer ~ Lord, YOU are the bread of my life. I believe that you will sustain me, and you will be my satisfaction. Forgive the ways I come to you just to get something. Nourish me with yourself.
2/18 Sermon reflection & discussion guide
Lent 2024 Visio Divina prompts
Both playlist and prompts will be added to each week, so keep checking back! Please reach out if you have questions about Lent, this series or would like to share about your own Lenten journey!
Caitlin
