Lent Day 39: The Blessings of the Week

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PREPARE

Today is a day to review your journey with Jesus over the past week. Ask Jesus to be with you as you do so. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, emotions, and memories.

OPTION 1

Look over the week’s devotionals and/or your journal entries (Day 34, Day 35, Day 36, Day 37, Day 38). What stands out to you?  How has Jesus been present to you this week? Where do you sense Jesus inviting your attention so that you may go deeper with him?

OPTION 2

If looking over the entire week feels too overwhelming, reflect on one or more of these themes from the week’s devotionals:

1) As Jesus approaches the time of his death, he and his disciples face increasing hardship and persecution. As you look back on hard times in your own experience, how has Jesus been there for you? How has that shaped the way you face trials in your present and future?

2) Jesus wants us to be joyfully united with other Christians all over the world, our church community, and with Him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. Have you ever experienced such a feeling of joyful unity? Where were you, and what was that experience like? Are there ways you are seeking increased unity?

3) Jesus models leadership that exudes both peace and strength. Where has God given you opportunities to lead? What do you need from Jesus in order to follow his example?

OBEY

As we approach Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, ask Jesus to help you walk with him in both joy and sorrow. Pray that you as an individual and the church as a body will grow in strength, peace, and unity.

 

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).

 

Lent Day 36: United in Joy

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PREPARE

Start with a time of quiet praise. If you feel led to do so, listen to a worship song (like “Wonder” by Amanda Cook) that will help you enter into your time of reflection and prayer.

READ

John 17

REFLECT AND PRAY

Jesus says of his disciples: “I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy . . . I have revealed you [the Father] to them, and I will continue to do so.”

1) Name one thing that Jesus has revealed to you that gives you joy. It can be something about you or another person, something about God, or something about creation. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?

2) What words, images, or phrases stand out to you when you think of God the Father? Who are the people in your life who have revealed different aspects of God to you?

OBEY

 

Jesus’ prayer here is for his disciples throughout all time and for the unity of the church. Pray along with the Jesus that we all will be one, joined in his grace, the Father’s love, and the Holy Spirit’s communion (2 Corinthians 3:14).

“Leap of Faith” is a devotional series on the Gospel of John for the Lent season. All readings are available on the Vineyard One NYC app, along with additional resources for Bible reading, worship, and prayer (IPhone app here; Google Play app here).