Work on one brief verse or passage at a time
Keep an index card
Reflect on its meaning
Set the passage to music
Test one another
Fasting
This spiritual discipline helps us to focus on our spirits rather
than the demands of our bodies. When combined with prayer
it helps us to surrender to God; it is a biblical way to humble
ourselves before Him, hear from Him and seek His forgiveness.
While you may be familiar with fasting from food you might
also consider fasting from pastimes, recreational activities or
other comforts. Here are a few guidelines:
Consider your own health and dietary needs. If fasting
from food is not a possibility fast from another of the suggested options
Fast from a meal occasionally or from one or two each
week – use that free time for prayer
Spend that time of prayer reading God’s word and praising Him in worship
Throughout the fast focus on the reason for the fast
Be flexible in the fast; avoid legalism
Practically always ease yourself in and out of Fasts and
be sure to drink plenty of liquids
N.B. If you have medical concerns or conditions always check
with a physician before fasting from food. If in doubt don’t do
it!
Solitude &Worship
Seeking privacy for spiritual purposes is a good discipline for
lent as is attending corporate Worship to praise God. A balance of both during this period will help you connect to both
God and Church.
Real God, Real Church, Real Lives
A Lenten Toolkit
A Focus on Real Church
As we enter the period of Lent we are asked to submit ourselves to God to ensure the opportunity to hear His voice. It is a
time for penitence, reflection and spiritual growth when we ‘rend
our hearts’* before God confessing our faults and sins and allow
for new growth. The focus that I am encouraging this year is upon
Church; the sermons and study notes will assist in this. As individuals though we are asked to have time on our own before God
in this period; here therefore are some ‘tools’ to assist in that reflection and time with our God. Imagine what the Lord will do if
we collectively and individually submit to Him during this time
and have a similar focus; what new growth and gifting may He bestow if we earnestly seek Him and as we come to celebrate the
power of New Life in Christ’s resurrection at Easter?
*Joel 2: 13
PRAYER
The Lord’s Prayer
1.
Pray as it is written, meditating on each aspect, and allowing God to speak through His Spirit.
2.
Use the prayer as a template:
Praise and focus on God
Pray for His will in all matters
Pray for His Kingdom to grow in situations, people, self
and for the Kingdom to come in fullness on Christ’s return
Pray for His provision in Christ
Pray for forgiveness for self, forgiveness of those who
have sinned against you and to be kept from sin
Pray for protection
Close in praise
Real God, Real Church, Real Lives
Confession
Use actual confessions in the BCP or the BAS
Pray through 1 John 1: 8-9
Make your confessions with another, that you trust, in
keeping with James 5: 16 and to ensure support
Centering Prayer
This is a receptive prayer method that helps us to rest in God.
1. Begin by finding a quiet, comfortable place where you will
not be disturbed for at least 20 minutes
2. Choose a word that represents your desire to respond to
God’s presence and activity within you. Ask the Holy Spirit
to suggest such a word (God, Jesus, Abba, Father, Love,
Peace etc.). Whatever the word you choose it will be your
sacred word throughout your time of prayer
3. Now close your eyes, let go of what is going on around you,
and silently introduce your sacred word. If you find yourself
drifting re-introduce your sacred word
4. Continue quietly focusing on this word until you have God’s
sense of calm and completion. Conclude with several minutes of silence with your eyes closed
5. This practice can be used daily or even several times a day.
You will find that it helps deepen your faith in God’s abiding
presence
Breath Prayer
Prayer can be as simple as breathing. Breath prayer helps you
to connect your spirit with God’s Spirit; they are simple, one
sentence phrases that can be repeated over and over. Say the
first part as you inhale, the second as you exhale; repeat it as
many times as you desire but at least several times.
Below are some scriptures with phrases that can be used but
you can also make up your own. These prayers are ideal for
busy days or times of stress.
Real God, Real Church, Real Lives
1 Samuel 3: 9-10; 1 Chronicles 16:34; Nehemiah 8: 10; Psalm
23:1; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 46: 10; Luke 1: 38; and Philippians 4:13.
MEDITATION AND STUDY
Lectio Divina
This is a classical method of meditating on and opening yourself
to the riches of Scripture:
1. Choose a brief passage of Scripture, no more than a few sentences
2. Read the passage very slowly out loud, lingering over each
word that stands out, reflecting upon it
3. As you reflect ask God to speak to you over the significance
of that word or phrase for your life
4. Read the passage again silently. Be aware this time of the
emotions the passage stirs and ask God whatever seems
right in the way of guidance and help
5. Be still, breathe slowly; simply listen. Rest in God
Inductive Bible Study
In this method of study you observe the text, interpret its meaning and apply it to your life:
1. Observe – ask the who, what, where, when, why and how
questions. Consider the context of the passage and write out
your observations
2. Interpret – analyze the text to understand what it means by
looking at where the passage is within the chapter, book etc.
and in relation to the ‘big picture’ of the full bible message
3. Apply – decide now what you should do based upon what
you have learned; how do you apply this in your life
Scripture Memorization
Memorizing Scripture helps us learn the depth of meaning
therein and allows the Lord to bring it back to mind at key times
in life. A few tips on how to learn:
Real God, Real Church, Real Lives