Lent Practices – Week 6 – 3.21.2018

THEME:Subtracting Power, Gaining Honor

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

CENTERING:

Let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you.
1 Corinthians 7:17

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:
GRATITUDE

Gratitude does not come naturally. We are constantly reminded of things we do not have. And even if we manage to shield ourselves from materialism and commerce, we notice the people who seem to have it all together, whose lives look effortless and perfect.

For this reason, it is of great importance that we intentionally practice gratitude for what we do have. It’s called “practice” because we don’t do it perfectly 100% of the time. We try to keep a grateful attitude, and we sometimes fail. So we try again, and maybe it gets a little easier and our “form” gets a little better.

Consider how you express gratitude to people who help or serve you. Is your thankfulness heartfelt? Why, or why not?

Ask God to bring to mind a time when you were served, helped, or encouraged in the last few days. How does it feel for you to accept that help or encouragement? What is your natural response? What does it tell you about yourself?

In your interactions with people today, practice being overly grateful. If you order food at a restaurant, look your server in the eye, smile, and thank them for their help. If a co-worker helps you with a project, tell them how much you appreciate their willingness and skill. Thank your children for playing well together, laughing, obeying, or anything they do to bring joy to your home.

What other habits of gratitude can you work into your life? Ask God to give you the opportunities to show thankfulness and to remind you to express it.

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.