This, then, is how you should pray
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
-Matt. 6:9-13
This Sunday marks the first Sunday in Lent. As we journey to the cross the words from the Lord’s Prayer will guide us as we learn how to pray and how to listen in prayerful conversation with God. There are times when we feel anxious and don’t know which way to turn. Other times we are overwhelmed by the problems of this world. Sometimes we just feel lonely. These are moments for prayer. Even in the good times, we should be in prayer. Paul wrote that we should pray without ceasing. Every moment, every breath, can be a chance to connect with God. But how do we start? We start with the Lord’s Prayer.
Lent is a season of repentance, reflection, and renewal. The Lord’s Prayer is a model for deepening your relationship with God during Lent. The Lord’s Prayer as found in Matthew 6:9-13 reads, “This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” We add the closing statement, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” Each section of the Lord’s Prayer aligns with the key themes of Lent: repentance, dependence, provision, forgiveness, and spiritual strength. Our Lent Devotional takes the Lord’s Prayer and breaks it down into six weeks for the 40 Days of Lent.
Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. We will share the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and impose ashes on our foreheads as a reminder that this life is only temporary. Please join us this season for a weekly prayer service in the Main Sanctuary as we practice each portion of the Lord’s Prayer together.
Practical Applications for the 40 Days of Lent
Scripture Reading Plan: Follow passages that align with the themes of each week. These are provided in the Lent Devotional Booklet at the church.
Fasting and Self-Denial: Choose a meaningful fast to deepen reliance on God. Remember that this is something between you and God. It can be food, drink, or material things. It can also be intentional action.
Journaling and Reflection: Keep a daily Lent journal. Record insights, struggles, and growth. You can also meditate on these entries to determine better ways to move forward.
Acts of Service: Practice charity, kindness, and sharing God’s love in practical ways. There are many obvious ways to get involved during holiday seasons. The fact is, people are in need all year long.
One: Lord, You see in us a potential that is beyond our imaginations.
During this season, you call us to a place of renewal.
All: We know that “renewal” is code for “change”.
One: We don’t like change…
All: most of the time.
One: But deep down, we long for your renewal…
All: we need your renewal…
One: we welcome your renewal…
All: so forgive us…transform us…renew us… Amen.
