Receive DARING TO GOD S GIFTS A journal to guide our journey through the Lenten Season.
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This Lenten season, Resurrection will be discovering together what it means to accept the incredible gifts we receive through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. As we journey together, we will be using this resource to create a sacred space for processing and preparing. Based on the themes from each Sunday s sermons, this journal brings together Scripture, liturgy, and beautiful artwork to help each of us do this. The journal is based on the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina, which provides an organized structure to help pray through and with Scripture. By reading a single passage repeatedly and reflecting after each reading, the aim of Lectio Divina is to bring us before God and to open our hearts and ears to hear what the Lord has for us. Usually, a session of Lectio Divina takes only twenty minutes, but you can take as long as you need. The artwork featured in the journal is by the French expressionist painter, Georges Rouault, who lived and worked during the end of the 19th century. His Miserere series is a profoundly beautiful set of ink drawings that depicts the life of Christ and human experience in a stark and unique way. Coupled with his beautiful titles, which are featured underneath each painting in this journal, they capture what it means to find salvation amidst the suffering human reality. This juxtaposition is a poignant visualization of the Lenten season, and ultimately, these images can become another way for you to connect to the loving presence of Christ. This journal can be used in preparation for upcoming sermons, or as a way to process what was heard and experienced. If you missed a sermon, or find you need simply to listen once more, visit Resurrection s website: churchrez.org. Allow this journal to help structure your travel through the season of Lent with renewed energy, and boldly receive God s gifts that he has so lavishly given to us. 3
2014 Church of the Resurrection Art by Georges Rouault Written and Designed by Ryn Manby 4
Table of Contents Daring to Receive God s Gifts: Intimacy (Ash Wednesday)... 6 Power (1 st Sunday of Lent)... 8 Life (2 nd Sunday of Lent)... 10 Holy Spirit (3 rd Sunday of Lent)... 12 Healing (4 th Sunday of Lent)... 14 Resurrection (5 th Sunday of Lent)... 16 Holy Week: Palm Sunday... 18 Maundy Thursday... 20 Good Friday... 22 Holy Saturday... 24 Easter Sunday... 26 5
6 Seigneur, C est Vous, Je Vous Reconnais (Lord, it is You, I know You)
Itimacy Ash Wednesday Matthew 6:1-21 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read Matthew 6:1-21 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 7
8 Obéissant Jusqua La Mort Et A La Mort De La Croix (Obedient unto death and to death on the cross)
1 st Sunday of Lent Power Matthew 4:1-11 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read Matthew 4:1-11 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 9
10 Celui Qui Croit En Moi, Fûit-Il Mort, Vivra (He who believes in Me, though he be dead, shall live)
2 nd Sunday of Life Lent John 3:1-17 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read John 3:1-17 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 11
12 C est En Sa Mort Que Nous Avons Eté Baptisés (It is in His death that we have been baptized)
3 rd Sunday of Lent Holy Spirit John 4:5-26, 39-42 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read John 4:5-26, 39-42 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 13
14 Se Réfugie En Ton Coeur, Va-Nu-Pieds De Malheur (Seek refuge in your heart, poor wanderer)
4 th Sunday of Lent Healing John 9:1-13, 28-38 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read John 9:1-13, 28-38 slowly. Simply listen to the words read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 15
16 De Profundis (Out of the depths)
5 th Sunday of Lent Resurrection John 11:17-44 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the HolySpirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read John 11:17-44 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 17
18 Il Arrive Parfois Que La Route Soit Belle (It happens, sometimes, that the way is beautiful)
Palm Sunday Matthew 27:1-54 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read Matthew 27:1-54 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 19
20 Aimez-Vous Les Uns Les Autres (Love one another)
Maundy Thursday John 13:1-15 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read John 13:1-15 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 21
22 Jesus Honni (Jesus reviled)
Good Friday John 19:1-37 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read John 19:1-37 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 23
24 Demain Sera Beau, Disait Lenauf Ragé (Tomorrow will be beautiful, said the shipwrecked man)
Holy Saturday John 19:38-42 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Sabbath, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read John 19:38-42 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 25
26 Chantez Matines, Le Jour Reneit (Sing mornings, day is reborn)
Easter Sunday Matthew 28:1-10 Pray: Begin by reading the Collect of the Day aloud to prepare. Almighty God, who through your only begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Quiet: Sit quietly for a couple of minutes to calm any distractions. Read: Read Matthew 28:1-10 slowly. Simply listen to the words as you read aloud, then pause for a moment. Reflect: Read the passage slowly again. Reflect on the passage using any of these questions: What in the passage touches my life today? Why? What words or phrases stand out to me? Why? What images or characters evoke a notable reaction in me? Reflect: Study the pice of artwork. What do you see? What do you feel? Respond: Read the passage a third time. Ask yourself: What is God inviting me to receive or do in response to this Word? Rest: Read a fourth and final time. Ask nothing; simply rest in the presence of the Lord. Write: Journal any thoughts and insights that come to mind. 27
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