Lent Reflections

Room to Pray

written  by RV

 MATTHEW 6:6a 

 When you pray, go into your room,
close the door and pray

REFLECTION: 

Lent is a time to reflect and spend time with the Lord. We miss out when we do not spend time with God. This is the time when we can commune with God, where we can listen to what He has to say to us.

It is good to set aside time every day, not only through this Lent period but beyond. It will take discipline and obedience.

If God is for us, who can be against us. Allow God to show you His Love and comfort as you draw near to Him.

PRAYER:

Father God, please give us a desire to spend time with you. 

Amen 

Passover

written  by RS

EXODUS 12:23

 The Lord passes over the doorway
of the Israelites

REFLECTION: 

Not Going Out – Forbidden to leave their houses until morning, the Israelites were safe under the blood, as the Lord passed over and killed the Egyptians.

Echoes of the past: Noah, obedient to the Lord, entered and remained in the Ark, he and his family safe as the torrents swept and passed underneath them.

Echoes of the present:  People obedient to their government, ordained by the Lord, remain in their homes, kept safe from the virus, as it swirls past outside.

Shadows of things yet to come:  Jesus, obedient to the Lord has trodden the path to crucifixion and resurrection, our Passover Lamb, so that we have eternal safety.  

PRAYER:

Thank you Lord that we will go out into Eternity with everlasting joy. Amen

 Strength in Meekness

written  by SK

 ZECHERIAH 9:9

See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

REFLECTION: 

Our expectation of God can so easily be limited to our humanness and His way is so frequently not our way, His thoughts not our thoughts.  In our passage so many people were expectant of Jesus the Messiah and how he would come in power and might, delivering and conquering the nation, riding on a magnificent stallion dressed accordingly.  But what was the reality?   Jesus came in meekness with lowly beginnings and rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and yet in His meekness and humility He showed unswerving strength and obedience

PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your example of strength in meekness, that you are wholly committed to your Father’s will.   Help us to seek your will for our lives, continuing to draw our strength from you as you promise to equip us, for your purpose and glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen 

Encourage One Another

written  by RM

 PHILLIPPIANS 2:1-2 

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

REFLECTION: 

Last year I dreamt of a meeting of Emmanuel Church gathering in person.
We sang and shared testimony.  There was a strong sense of encouragement about it.  The song I was reminded of was ‘If you are encouraged in your union with Christ…’ by Graham Kendrick.  The notable presence of three characters emphasised: be strong and courageous, you are a noble people and will prevail as you continue in Christ loving and encouraging one another! 

PRAYER:

Father God, we miss meeting together in person.  We have experienced ‘a Lent’ by having this taken from us.  May we make the most of the opportunities that we do have in making connections with others currently. Amen

 Today – A Gift from God

written  by SC

PSALM 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made...

REFLECTION: 

The past has gone and the future is full of uncertainty but “Today” is a gift from God.  God calls us to live well Today – to embrace Today.

Firstly, to seek Him for that daily Manna, that renewal, refreshment and well-being that comes only from His Steadfast and Unceasing Love for us. 

Secondly, to remember who He is – His Goodness, Mercy and Compassion, what He has done for us and to be grateful – to Thank Him constantly.

Thirdly, to choose Today who we will serve – “As for me and my household we will serve the Lord.”

And fourthly, to be ready and willing for wherever He may lead – “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart”.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, help me serve you well today, Amen.

 Father Forgives

written  by AD

 LUKE 23:33-43

…”Father, forgive them“….

REFLECTION: 

Our Lord Jesus, hanging on the cross between two criminals, speaks twice. 

Regarding the crucifying soldiers:  Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

To the believing criminal: I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.

Is there anything in your life you feel is beyond the Lord’s forgiveness?

Jesus prays – Father forgive them.

Do you fear the unknown at the end?  Jesus says  – you will be with me in paradise. 

Otherwise Jesus died for nothing.

PRAYER:

Thank you, Lord, that you have paid the price for ALL my sin.  Thank you, Father, that you already see me washed clean because of Christ’s sacrifice.  Come, Holy Spirit, and fill me anew. 

Amen