Lent Week 4 : Praying the Psalms & This Week's Grow Challenge

Hey everyone,

Wow, we're now stepping into Week 4 of Lent. I'd love to hear more about how you are getting on? Are you starting to see some signs of growth?

Are you frustrated that you haven't been able to get into the rhythm that you had wanted to? Let me know where you are at. 

Today is Monday, so we begin the week again with fasting (if you are medically able). When hunger comes, remember: it's not just something to just push through. Let it become a prayer. Let your body join your spirit in saying, "You matter more, God."

Scripture Focus – Week 4

Learning to Pray the Psalms

This week we're going to spend time in the Psalms.

The Psalms are not like reading an instruction manual or a theological textbook. They are the prayers and songs of God's people from ancient times, and we get to step into them and pray them ourselves.

In the Psalms we meet people in very real situations, people who are bringing their praise, frustration, anger, confusion, longing and surrender before God in honest ways.

These poets, prayers and song writers then teach us how to pray along side them and through our emotions and situations. 

So this week, rather than just reading the Psalms, pray along with them. Let their words become your words.

Here's the reading plan for the week:

Monday – Psalm 23

Tuesday – Psalm 27

Wednesday – Psalm 42

Thursday – Psalm 51

Friday – Psalm 63

Saturday – Psalm 84

Sunday – Psalm 103

Read them slowly.

Pause where something resonates.

Repeat lines that speak to you.

And then let the Psalm become your prayer, pray out of that psalm.

Daily Prayer Rhythm

Keep working through the same rhythm we've been practicing.

Opening Prayer

Hello Jesus, I am here.

I quiet my heart and mind before you.

I lay down distraction and my to-do list.

Make me present to you,

as you are present to me.

Speak, Lord. I am listening.

Amen.

5 minutes – Stillness

Slow down. Breathe. Return to the phrase "Here I am, Lord."

10 minutes – Scripture

Pray through the Psalm for the day.

10 minutes – Prayer

Grow me – shape my character and deepen my love.

Grow us – strengthen The Beacon and those walking Lent together.

Grow your kingdom – in my family, workplace and across Teesside.

5 minutes – Listening

Write down anything you sense Jesus forming in you.

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank you for meeting with me.

I place myself into your story today.

May I be woven into your plans today.

May I be guided by your voice today.

May I be eager to love today.

May I walk in the joy and thanksgiving of all you have made and all you have given to me today.

Holy Spirit, form me into the likeness of Jesus.

Grow my roots deep in you.

Amen.

GROW Challenge – Pray For It Now

One of the practices we try to cultivate as a church is something we call "Pray For It Now."

Instead of saying "I'll pray for you later," we try to pause in the moment and pray right there and then. Prayer is powerful and effective. And one of the ways we grow in faith is simply by practicing it.

So this week's Grow Challenge is simple:

Look for at least one opportunity this week to pray for someone right there in the moment.

If they are with you physically, ask them if you can pray for them and gently place a hand on their shoulder and pray for them out loud. It doesn't have to be a fancy long prayer, keep it simple and invite Jesus into thier situation. 

It might be:

a friend sharing something difficult, someone at church, a family member, a colleague at work, someone who is feeling stressed or overwhelmed

When the moment appears, don't say "I'll pray later."

Instead say something like. "Can I pray for you now?"

Then pray a simple, honest prayer like you are reading in the psalms.

Many of you may not be used to doing this and that's exactly why it's such a good challenge. Growth happens when we practice the ways of Jesus.

For those who are already comfortable praying for others, this week is an opportunity to do it even more intentionally.

Keep your eyes open this week.

Ask the Holy Spirit each morning:

"Who might you want me to pray for today?"

Then when the opportunity appears, take it.

Keep an eye on the WhatsApp group for encouragements through the week.

We're now well into Lent.

Massive blessings over each one of you;  I'm praying for you all. 

Stephen