Week 3 - Lent

Hey everyone,

We’re now stepping into Week 3 of Lent. Well done team lent!

By this point, some of you will be getting into the rhythm of it. Others may be feeling frustrated. That’s normal. Growth isn’t instant. It happens quietly, steadily, as we keep putting the spiritural reps in.

Today is Monday, so as you fast (if you’re able), remember: hunger is prayer. Let your body join your spirit again in saying, “You matter more, God.”Here is a prayer for your fasting that I prayed this morning, "Jesus, I am hungry for you and your Kingdom today. As I fast; hear this prayer that I pray with my body, see this prayer that I pray with my discipline and lead me into growth."

Scripture Focus – Week 3

This week we are reading through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 5–7).

Read it slowly across the week. Perhaps one chapter at a time, or all three chapters more than once. Don’t rush it.

This is Jesus describing what life looks like in Gods way of doing things.  It’s uncomfortable at times, because it's so different to our way of doing things but sit with it, don't battle it, and allow Jesus' words to shape you. 

Ask as you read:  “What kind of life is Jesus describing here?”  “And is that being formed in me?”

 Daily Prayer Rhythm (Keep Going 30 mins a day)

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  Read Matthew 5–7 slowly. Let it shape you, not just inform you.

10 minutes - Prayer  

Grow me – shape my character and obedience.  

Grow us – deepen our maturity as a church.  

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

5 minutes - Listening  

Write down what Jesus is pressing on your heart.

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 – The Secret Life Challenge

This week’s challenge is about what happens when no one is looking.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus keeps uses his phrase:  “Your Father who sees in secret…”

He speaks about giving in secret.  Praying in secret.  Fasting in secret.There is something powerful about do something without seeking human approval but only Gods. It reminds us that He is always with us and teaching us to live in a way that delights Him and not our peers. 

So this week:

Each day, do one act of obedience that no one else knows about.

It might be:

Giving quietly.  

Serving without recognition.  

Doing an unseen job.  

Blessing someone anonymously.  

Choosing integrity when no one would notice.

This is about motive. It’s about the inner life. It’s about becoming the kind of person who loves God more than human approval.

Give it a go and see what happens. 

Also...

Keep an eye on the WhatsApp group for small prompts through the week.

We’re well into Lent now.  He is forming something in you,  you might already start to spot the some of the fruits of this way of life now. 

Massive blessings over you all

Stephen