Hello church,
Very glad you are with us for week three of our Lenten journey. If you would like to share how it’s been going for you, please do! If you are just joining us or are wondering what Lent is all about, scroll to the bottom of this email.
I AM
We are studying the 7 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 2 “I am the gate.” – Jesus
- Read ~ John 9-10 and Psalm 118
- Reflect ~ Has my experience with Jesus felt like more of an open or closed gate lately? Where has his protection hemmed me in? Where has his freedom brought me joy? Is there a door that I am choosing right now looking to bring life instead of Jesus?
- Practice ~ Each time you go into the door of your home this week, praise him aloud for your salvation. When you go out through your door, praise him for freedom to flourish.
- Prayer ~ Jesus, doorway to life, my protector and defender, I am at home in you. As the gate, you allow me to come into the fold of your love and safety and go out into the pasture of your life-giving abundance. Remind me you are the only access to fullness and freedom.
3/3 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
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. Jesus, our Savior does not opt out or choose another way, he meets death head on for us.
