Friday, March 7, 2014

Lenten Reflections

Diocese of Newark

Thank you for joining us in prayer and reflection during the season of Lent. We will travel through daily scripture, reflection and prayer. We invite you to explore the other resources of the season found and the bottom of the page as we begin the journey together.

Scripture

I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

"I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

John 17:9-19 (NIV)

Reflection

Prayer and thought are sometimes taken for granted. John shares in this Gospel passage the wonderful gift of sharing prayer with others because those who Jesus loved were going to be on their own. How many times do we pray for those who we no longer see or for those who have moved away or are in need? This personal gift is pure and simple and does not require that much. Jesus asked for us to be watched over and we ask the same for others. Let us know this gift of faith and love. Prayer can happen always and everywhere. Just make it happen, don't stop talking with God.

Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God,

by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed

and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers,

which we offer before you for all people

that they may truly and devoutly serve you;

through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, p. 256

You are invited to click these links and explore more resources:

Lent 2014-Formation Ideas, Activities, and Resources - from Sharon Pearson