Holy Hide and Seek – How to use these devotions
We’re so glad you are here!
As we consider Jesus self-revelation by looking at the I AM statements of John,we have designed the devotions we are offering in Lent to be used on several levels, depending on your time, situation and interest. Jesus first I AM declaredthat HE is the Bread of Life. Just as we need to eat daily for our bodies to be healthy, our souls need to be fed, and while balanced meals are important, sometimes a snack is all we can manage and other times – well we get to feast! SO each day you will find several choices and sometimes a bit of a dessert!
DAILY
THE MAIN MEAL
If you have about 15 minutes, just begin at the top of the page and pray for the WELCOMING PRAYER and BREATH PRAYER. Then read and consider the SCRIPTURE AND REFLECTION. Take some time to talk to God. You may also want to take a peek at the PRAYING IN THE CRACKS section for some suggestions of ways you can keep your conversation with God going in the odd moments of your day.
A QUICK SNACK WHEN YOU ARE ON THE RUN
Sometimes, even 15 minutes is hard to find. Young children need loving and care, the day at work has more tasks than hours, or life just seems to happen. In that case, look for 1-2 minutes when you can pause briefly. Jump right past the first sections to “PRAYING IN THE CRACKS'” (thanks to Rev. Margaret Gunther for the term). Here you will find a suggestion for prayer that you can use in the “Cracks” of your day – when you are waiting in line at the store, when you are in the car, while the coffee drips through. When you pick up your phone – just take a minute before you look at those notifications. Connect with God, repeatedly during the day. He is there, wanting you to know he finds you right amid your everyday.
WHEN YOU CAN TAKE TIME TO FEAST
For those whose quiet time is a little longer , the thoughts, stories, Scriptures or reflections in GOING DEEPER will be helpful in enrching the conversation with God begun in the first sections.
DESSERTS
From time to time, we’ll suggest MUSIC that you can use during your quiet time, or during the day. For parents of younger kids or teenagers, we’ll occasionally offer suggestions for sharing what you are experiencing with our younger disciples under FEEDING THE FAMILY.
WEEKLY PATTERN
MONDAY – we will introduce a Spiritual Practice for you to try throughout the week. (See the explanation of Breath Prayer in week 1 as an example). Some will be familiar, and some new, but give them a try. There will also be a link to the sermon from Sunday.
TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY – Scriptures and Reflections will highlight the I AM of the week.
THURSDAY will have an devotion written by a parishioner or friend of the parish
FRIDAY will summarize what we have been thinking about
SATURDAY will help us begin to prepare for Sunday’s worship by considering the I AM for the next week
SUNDAY is the day to center on worship – some Sundays will have aids for that and others may just be a Sabbath
There you have it! Lots of ways to find and be found by Jesus.
May your Lent be deeply blessed!