As I ponder and process to begin this Lenten journey and the topics we are going to cover. I am excited that the readings and commentary that I will be reading are coming from the She Reads Truth company. This time though I chose a He Reads Truth book to read through. I wanted to see from another point of view. When we read books from different perspectives it helps us to deepen our thought process of what we think we know and possibly even mine something of great value. That is my hope anyway!

One of the ways this book is helping us do that is to use the images of clay and cement as symbols of how the things that we will read are foundational truths. That is why I subtitled this journey, “the rock on which I stand.” I can’t help but sense a desire in my heart to find a physical rock that I can use the sensory information of rough, hard, solid, tough as a part of my learning and going deeper. Perhaps the Lord will give me a rock!

In the meantime, here is a prayer to begin the preparation of the heart for this journey.

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.

INVOCATION from the BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

Also, be thinking about what you will fast for Lent. Fasting is both a remembrance to mourn our sin and also to connect to and rejoice over the new life we have in Christ.

Fasting is a way that we, physically with our bodies, recognize our humble and dependant state before God, who is our Creator. Fasting is used for many things:

• During confession and repentance (Jonah 3:4-5 & Nehemiah 9:1-2)
• During periods of mourning (2 Sam. 1:11-12 & 1 Sam 31:12-13)
• To seek the Lord’s favor (Ester 4:15-16 & Joel 1:13-15)
• As a part of worship (Luke 2:36-37 & Acts 14:23)
• To demonstrate reliance upon God (Matthew 4:1-2)

If a king wanted to take possession of his enemy’s city, he would begin by cutting off the water and the food, and so his enemies, dying of hunger, would submit to him. It is the same with the passions of the flesh: if a man goes about fasting and hungry, the enemies of his soul grow weak.

Father John the Dwarf – Desert Father

We will begin on Monday. Hope to see you here!
Starla