Lent Practices – Week 2 – 2.20.2018

THEME: From Distraction to Subtraction

BREATH PRAYER: Jesus, teach me how to make space for You.

CENTERING:

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.
‭‭Psalm 130:5

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:
WAITING

Since so much of our lives are spent waiting on something, it would follow that God would have us learn to wait well. Sometimes waiting is for something that is wanted, promised, or hoped for. This type of waiting typically plays out over a long period of time. More often are the times we are made to wait in our daily lives.

In each type of waiting, we can choose to be impatient, or we can receive it as a gift. As Adele Calhoun says in Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, “God’s people learn to wait with God in the present moment. Because that is the only place that God is found.”

Waiting for something that is wanted, promised, or hoped for

• Ask the Lord to bring to mind something that you are waiting for and write it in your journal.
• Now ask Him “Lord, as I wait for _______________, how might I wait with You?” Write in your journal any thoughts that come to mind, even if you question whether it’s from God or not.

Waiting in our daily lives

Choose a practice below and invite God into the times that you are made to wait today.

• Commit to not interrupt anyone today. Listen closely to the words people say as they talk to you. As they speak, wait with God and ask for His understanding of the conversation.
• Think of a place where you will be made to wait in line today. When you are waiting, look around and come up with three things for which you can be thankful. Since He is right there with you, thank Him for these things while you wait.
• Drive the speed limit all day today. Imagine that Jesus is in the car with you as you drive. Pay attention to the emotions that well up within you (both positive and negative) and talk to Jesus about them as you drive.

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

Closing: Jesus, teach me how to make space for You.