Midweek Mindfulness ~ First Week of Lent, 2023

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
Let us take a moment to sit and rest with Jesus, the spring of living water
We offer you a song and a simple prayer

A Song

A Prayer

Take a moment to sit with Jesus in silence

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When you're ready, let's pray the following prayer with Him
If you want a sister or brother to pray with you, click the bar below.
The accompanier will pray the whole prayer with you
You are invited to join in praying the purple italicized words with them

Today we meditate on Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7 and Matthew 4:1-11

A simple prayer for help in the desert

We step out into the desert as Lent begins,
leaving behind what we don't need
to seek you out.

Strengthen us for the journey, Spirit

Hunger and thirst set in quickly,
reminding us of the dear things
left behind in safety.
Questions rise with them.

Are we sure this is the right way?
I thought there would be no pain,
no hunger or loss like this with Jesus?
You're right. Let us return to where things
are a little more comfortable,
at least for a while, for a break.
You tried it, but this is too hard.

Already the tempter has slipped in,
pulling our focus back to ourselves.
But we did not come into the desert
to find comfort or ease.
We came to follow Jesus.

Lead us not into the time of trial, Father.

If you are truly a disciple of Jesus,
would he not be here with you?
If he loved you, he would not leave you to wander . . .

Though I cannot always feel him,
Jesus is always with me.
He is my refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

But why go to the trouble at all?
Doesn't he love you just as you are?
Surely there is no need for this journey . . .

Beyond all hope or merit, yes.
He has called me Beloved.
But my love for Him calls me
ever deeper into his Kingdom of Life.
Even if the road there leads through the desert.
And much must yet be left behind
before I find my home there.

I could show you a thousand
closer destinations, 
all filled with joy and delight!
Just follow me and I will show you . . .

I have known enough
of your empty, gnawing joys
and poisonous delights
to see your fangs.
Away from me, you old foe!
Deliver me from the evil one, Jesus.
Be my shield and my protector.
I know your voice and this isn't it.



I Am with you, child.
Come, walk with me.