Lenten Devotional 2018--Week 1

​Did you make a New Year’s resolution? Keeping it? Do you traditionally “give up” something during Lent? Want to?
 
For the next 6 weeks, the Christian church observes a season of fasting and prayer focused on self-examination. We’ll pick up six themes. You are invited to spend time during the week with the Scriptures and a question towards considering that theme. The hope is to come to end feeling more centered in God and less scattered in the world.
 
And another thing, our thoughts and prayers are clearly not what God calls us to in the words of Isaiah 58. God pushes us out of the boat of safety from the storm and into the chaotic waters of serving others. Prayers are critical for the strength we need to move forward in action. They are not the remedy God demands when sin abounds. Thoughts for the wounded must remain upon us to move our feet. But thoughts are not the consolation we give to the needy when evil erupts in violence. This movement from prayer, and thought, to active service will be the Lenten theme. We will be regularly invited to pick up our cross and follow Jesus, even at the risk of our own lives. 

Set aside 12 minutes every day for reflection.
Week 1

February 14-18, 2018 
                 
Read this Scripture every day:  Isaiah 58: 1-12
Wednesday 2/14:
Review what you ate and the cost. FYI: The Atlanta Food Bank provides $9 of food or 4 meals for every dollar donated. 
Question 1: How much food do I throw away and can I reduce the waste? Write down how much you save between now and Sunday.

Thursday 2/15: Count the number of garments you have worn in the last week. Then count the number of garments you own for this particular season.
Come to Gospel @ The Rock Worship.
Question 2: Can I donate 10%, a tithe, to a clothes closet? If so, shall I do so?

Friday 2/16: Go into each of the rooms in your home and remember something special that happened here. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for your home when you are finished. FYI: Clifton Presbyterian Church began a homeless ministry in 1979 that continues this day even though the church closed in 2003.
Question 3: To whom have I offered “shelter” when they were in need of a safe place to land?

Saturday 2/17: Say a prayer by name for your living relatives.
Question 4: Is there anyone for whom I harbor anger? Is there anyone from whom I am “hiding?” Imagine reconciling and write a letter of forgiveness, even if you never mail it.

Sunday 2/18: Come to Sanctuary Worship.
 
Peace,
Rev Bev
 
 
 

---