Lent Week 6 – Come to Me

Hey everyone,

We’re now stepping into Week 6 of Lent. Wow, thats gone fast.

We’re coming into the final stretch now. Easter is just around the corner.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been building rhythms, putting reps in, practicing the ways of Jesus; prayer, fasting, encouragement, hidden obedience, praying for others, speaking about our faith.

And hopefully, even if it’s been slow, something has been forming in you and you are spotting some growth. I have loved hearing from a number of you about the ways you are growing. Id love to share some of the stories out in our WhatsApp group. So if you have any "stories of growth" from this lent that you would like to share then please send them over to me. 

This week, we’re going to slightly shift the tone.

Less about doing, more about coming closer.

Scripture Focus – Week 6

The Invitations of Jesus

This week we’re going to sit with a series of moments where Jesus invites people to come to Him.

Here’s the reading plan:

Monday - Matthew 11:25–30 “Come to me… and I will give you rest.”

Tuesday - John 6:35–40 “I am the bread of life.”

Wednesday - John 7:37–39 “If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink.”

Thursday - John 10:1–18 The Good Shepherd

Friday - John 14:1–7 “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

Saturday - John 15:1–11 “Abide in me.”

Sunday - Revelation 3:20 “I stand at the door and knock.”

Read these slowly. Notice how Jesus speaks. Notice what He offers. Notice the kind of relationship He is inviting you into.

Ask yourself: How is Jesus inviting me to come closer?

Daily Prayer Rhythm

Keep going with the same rhythm. Stay steady.

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:

“Here I am Lord.”

10 minutes - Scripture

Sit with the invitation of Jesus for the day.

10 minutes — Prayer

Grow me - deepen my trust and closeness with you.

Grow us - draw our church closer to you.

Grow your kingdom - in my life and across Teesside.

5 minutes - Listening

Sit quietly. What is Jesus saying to 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 – Book Your Hour to be with Jesus

This week’s challenge is simple.

👉 Book one hour in the 24/7 Prayer Room over Easter weekend.

https://signup.24-7prayer.com/signup/79d077

This is about making space this easter, in a world full of noise, distraction and hurry, choosing to sit with God for an hour in our prayer room is powerful.

You don’t need to be “good at prayer.” You don’t need to fill the hour perfectly.

The prayer room will be set up with different stations and creative ways to pray, but nothing is mandatory. You can engage with those, or simply sit quietly with God.

The feedback every year is the same, people wish they had booked more time.

So don’t overthink it.

Just choose a slot.

Book it in.

Turn up.

Come on your own, bring your family, or invite a friend.

Let’s close off Easter really powerfully WITH Jesus.

We are nearly there now.

Next week we walk through the story of the cross together.

But for this week, hear the invitation of Jesus again “Come to me.”

Let’s respond.

Massive blessings over each of you, I’m praying for you.

Stephen