Opening
Lord, as I sit here with you, quiet my heart and mind. You invite me to come as I am and so I come. Open my heart to all you have for me. Awaken me to your voice within.
Reflection
We begin our journey through Lent once again.
We slow our pace so we can notice and pay attention to all God has for us.
God’s love seeks to heal the broken places within us.
God’s love seeks to show us a transforming way to see and hear and live.
Let us intentionally imagine Jesus walking beside us.
What does He want to show us
within ourselves, within others?
May we listen and as we do
May we notice how deeply we are loved.
Invitation
Read the scripture through slowly a couple of times. Pause where you are drawn.
Scripture: Psalm 51:1-3, 10-12
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”
Prayer of Response
The challenge of Lent is to see myself as I am
with all that is good and with all that is not
and at the same time
to see myself through your eyes
through your love and grace.
Your love and grace are healing
and transforming
at same time
because they ask me to be more.
They ask me to love myself and others
the way that you do.
They ask me to look upon others
with compassion and grace
and prayers for healing and transformation.
Lord, please answer this prayer
I long to be a person
after your own heart.
I desire to be a reflection of you
in which people see your love and grace in me,
for me, for them,
in love and communion with you.
Amen.