Week 2 - Lent

Hello Team LENT!! 

We’re now stepping into Week 2 of Lent and it's our first full week. 

Some of you will feel like the rhythm is flowing. Others may feel like it’s been messy, inconsistent, or harder than expected. That’s normal. Lent isn’t about a perfect run so no matter how week 1 has gone, pick up today fresh and seek Jesus! 

Today is also our first Monday of fasting. Remember as hunger comes, let it become prayer. Let your body join your spirit in saying, “You matter more, God. I hunger for your kingdom more than comfort.” 

If you’d like a deeper reminder of what fasting is doing spiritually, you can read the blog here: https://www.thebeaconchurch.co.uk/blog

As always, here is our shared rhythm. Daily Prayer, Scripture Reading and Grow Challenge. 

Daily 30-Minute Prayer Rhythm

Grab a Bible, notebook and pen. Find a quiet space and work through this pattern.

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.”

Or bring to mind what you are grateful for.

10 minutes - Scripture (see below)

Read slowly. Let it form you, not just inform you.

Ask: What is God forming in me through this scripture?

10 minutes – Prayer

Grow me:  shape my character, deepen my love, renew my mind.

Grow us:  strengthen The Beacon and those walking Lent with me.

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

5 minutes - Listening

Sit quietly. Write down what you sense Jesus might be forming in you. 

Closing Prayer

(Replace “today” with “tomorrow” if praying in the evening.)

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.

Scripture Focus - Week 2

This week we move into Colossians (all four chapters).

It’s a short letter, but incredibly rich and builds beautifully on what we’ve been reading in Ephesians.

Don’t rush it. Read slowly. Read it more than once. Let it soak in and shape your heart.

GROW Challenge #1 - Deliberate Encouragement

This week we launch our first Grow Challenge.

Every day this week, practice one deliberate act of encouragement toward someone.

Speak words that build someone up. Words that strengthen. Words that bring life. Words that remind someone who they are in Christ. "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to thier needs, that it may benefit those who listen" Eph4:29

This is about practice. Reps in the ways of love.

Encouragement might look like:

• A text, a phone call, a voice note, a card, a conversation, Praying encouragement over someone, Public affirmation spoke outloud, Quiet private encouragement

  
  

The key is that it is daily and deliberate.

Ask the Holy Spirit each morning:

“Who needs encouragement today?”

Then act on it.

Keep your eyes and ears open. Notice people. Respond to promptings. Practice building others up so that it may benefit them.

Love grows through practice. Encouragement is one of the simplest and most powerful reps of love we can do. 

Finally

Finally, keep an eye on the WhatsApp group. I’ll continue sending short prompts, reminders and encouragements through the week.

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

Stephen