Lent Practices – Week 6 – 3.19.2018

THEME:Subtracting Power, Gaining Honor

BREATH PRAYER: Jesus, give me a desire to surrender my power and follow You.

CENTERING:

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:12-13

SETTLING IN:

• In a journal, note the day, time, and place you’re sitting.
• Open with silence. Set a timer for 1, 3, or 5 minutes so you can be free to rest and breathe deeply.
• Complete the following sentence in your journal: Today, I feel ________________.
• Read the centering verse above slowly (aloud or silently).
• Pause for a few moments of silence, then pray this week’s breath prayer.

PRACTICE:
EXAMEN

Begin by praying this week’s breath prayer, silently or aloud, three times: Lord, help me subtract my independence and surrender to You.

As you think of your day, whom have you encountered? Have you seen friends, co-workers? Have you stayed close to home, or been to a different area of town and seen people you don’t normally visit? Take a few minutes to think back through those conversations and the thoughts you had as you engaged with those people. How did you feel as you left those conversations? What ran through your mind as you continue to reflect on those conversations and engagements?

Thank God for any place you notice His presence or influence in those times. Thank Him for bringing them to your attention. Were there times when you specifically did not feel His presence or influence? Ask Him to show you how He might have been at work in those times, too.

As you look ahead to tomorrow, think about the engagements already scheduled. How can you begin to pray about those conversations and interactions? Jesus laid down His life and power for the world. He rejected power. As you think about your engagements, be more like Jesus by giving up your power as you engage with those around you?

Invite Jesus to be with you as you interact with others tomorrow—not to change them, but so that you might be more like Jesus and they might see more of Him.

Summary: Write in your journal a brief summary (five sentences or less) of your practice.

Closing: Jesus, give me a desire to surrender my power and follow You.