Slō LentNäide

Session 1 - Ash Wednesday

Part 1. Preparing your heart to be present with God. Allow yourself a moment of silence; acknowledging God is present with you. Perhaps take a few deep breaths. Focused breathing helps the mind to pause, reset, and reorient back toward God.

Part 2. Slowly read through the passage. 

Part 3. Questions for personal reflection or for sharing in a group. For group facilitation, I encourage time for people to share their experiences without discussion. After each person shares the group could respond with a “thank you for sharing.” If you are using this for personal devotion I encourage giving yourself time to journal. 

• What does this passage tell you about fasting? 
• This passage speaks of oppression; are there forms of oppression in our world today? What do these look like? 
• Are there ways God is moving amidst oppression today? How could God be inviting you to partner with Him?

Part 4. Breath prayers, as provided daily, are a simple way to engage the passage throughout your day. There are two parts to each breath prayer; simply say the first phrase as you breathe in, the second phrase as you breathe out. You can take small moments throughout your day to engage with this prayer (consider setting several daily reminders on your phone). This is also a great way to calm yourself when you get flustered amidst the busyness of life.  

Breath Prayer

{inhale}

Show me your heart...

{exhale}

Guide me in  justice…