The Lenten Way
As our days get longer we find ourselves in the midst of this pilgrimage called lent. A sacred time of preparation leading to the death and resurrection of Christ.
As a choir director, I can spend so much time preparing for the busy Easter season that sometimes I can miss the beautiful journey of lent with Jesus along the way.
However, without the walk toward the cross - there is no resurrection or life.
Without the walk
toward the cross
there
is no
resurrection
and life
The Lenten journey becomes a sacred terrain to pour out and expose our heart as we walk along with Jesus.
This unveiling enables us to awaken our hearts like the first flowers of Spring pushing forth from the cold barren earth.
We become so accustomed to living with fear and shame that we fail to notice the weight and hold of these toxic emotions and habits. We deceive ourselves that this stress or anxiety is some how normal - simply a part of life.
With each step in Him, we shed the pain, the anxiety and the sin that we have been clinging on to.
With each step in Jesus, we become a new creation.
There becomes clarity and freedom as we shift our mind off of our ourselves, our problems and on to the One who has come to set us free. It is at His feet, His cross that we must release the burden we were never meant to carry.
It is on this Lenten path that we encounter Jesus ~ The Way, The Truth and The Life.
I am
The Way
The Truth
and
The Life
The Lenten Way is a place of remembrance and renewal.
Come, Remember Me
I have poured my love upon you
I have died in your place
I am gracious to forgive
Remember the One who is rich in mercy
Father forgive us
For the times we have failed to remember You
For turning away from You
For the conditions we place on our love and grace
For judging, avoiding, blaming, defending, causing division and strife. Have mercy for the times we wanted to be right and be heard rather than show humility to listen and learn.
For the idols, we have placed at the centre of our lives (our problems, our fears, people, career, money)
For wanting our own way instead of submitting to You as The Way
For critical, un-necessary or hurtful words
For living in stress and fear instead of believing in who you say you are and who we are in You.
For failing to notice or give sacrificially to those in need who we meet along the way
For complaining instead of living in gratitude
For being distracted, complacent or apathetic rather than responding with urgency concerning the desires of Your heart.
Have mercy on us
In the beautiful name of our Saviour - Jesus
As we travel upon this Lenten road take a few moments to pause and ask Jesus to reveal the hidden places or the people that we need to surrender to Him.
What or who
do you need
to release
and surrender
to Jesus?
Remember To Let Go
of the guilt and shame of our sin and our mistakes
of the fear of the unknown, our safety, of being exposed, of failing to live up to expectations
of the worry for those we love, circumstances we cannot change, our health, finances
of the need to be perfect, to perform or to earn approval or love
of self-pity
of our pride, independence
of the labels placed upon us of not being good enough, smart enough, talented enough, spiritual enough. That we are somehow less than or disqualified from experiencing love, belonging or utilizing our unique gifts
Now extend your palms and release. Leave it all at the foot of His cross. He is Lord, the One who holds all things together and is fully trustworthy.
Believe and rest in His lavish love and grace.
Let us walk with gratitude and joy as we receive this outrageous gift of love poured out upon us.
Remember Our Beloved
Return to me
I have died to set you free
Your sin and shame is covered
Nothing you have done or can do will ever take you away from my love or My Presence
It is finished - you do not need to perform or earn my love.
Rest in Me
I remember your sins no more
I have wiped away ALL your transgressions
I see your tears
You are not forgotten
You and those you love are in the palm of my hand
I am Your Redeemer
I am the Way, The Resurrection and the Life
You are mine
The Lenten Way
Remember and Live In Me
Let us cultivate the seeds that nourish our interior castle.
May we be attentive to the unfolding of the beauty of our Beloved so that we may live every day overflowing with the fullness of Christ.
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Beautiful thoughts to ponder.
ReplyDeleteThank you Belinda - it means so much coming from you
ReplyDelete