Lent Practices – Week 2 – 2.21.2018

THEME: From Distraction to Subtraction

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

CENTERING:

Your statutes have been like songs to me
wherever I have lived as a stranger.

I remember Your Name in the night, O Lord,,
and dwell upon Your law.

This is how it has been with me,
because I have kept Your commandments.

Psalm 119:54-56
‭‭

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:
MEMORIZATION

Today, we will commit a piece of scripture to memory. Envision yourself putting this verse into your mental backpack so the Spirit will be able to pull it out and use it whenever needed.

Choose from one of the scriptures below, or choose a scripture that has resonated with you recently.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is dearer to me than thousands in gold and silver.
Psalm 119:71-72

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2

If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.
John 8:31b-32

Before you work on memorizing the scripture, interact with it and let it sink into your heart.

• Ask the Lord why that particular verse resonated with you and write down any thoughts you have in your journal.
• The verse that you have chosen is part of a larger context. Get to know the verse’s meaning by reading the verses before and after. That could mean reading the entire story, Psalm, or passage from which the verse came.
• Consider what the verse means within that context and write that in your journal.

To memorize the verse, try several of these methods:

• Begin by saying the verse out loud 10 times. Conclude the verse by reciting the chapter and verse number.
• Write the verse down on paper 5-10 times.
• Write the verse on an index card and put it in a high-visibility location.
• Use the verse as your phone’s lock screen or background.
• Quiz yourself. Set several reminders in your calendar throughout the day to recite the verse wherever you happen to be.
• Most importantly, ask the Spirit to allow this word to soak into your mind and your heart.

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.