Lent Journey - 2016Sample

LENT IS FOR TURNING

DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, help me to turn towards you.

DAILY THOUGHT: JOYFUL REPENTANCE
Often the word “repentance” gets bad press. Think of that unbiblical phrase sometimes used by Christians, “turn or burn”. This is certainly not what Jesus said. His message about repentance was constantly one of joy, “Repent, because the Kingdom of God is at hand” (see Matthew 4:17 too). Turning towards God opens our lives to new joy, and it also brings much joy to God. Remember how the father rejoices over the return of the prodigal in the parable that Jesus once told. God loves to redeem those who turn towards him and to restore lives that have been wasted. Have you experienced the joy of repentance?

DAILY PRACTICE:
Begin with your daily prayer request. Afterwards picture yourself as the prodigal coming home. Imagine the father running towards you, hugging you as you are, giving you new clothes, putting sandals onto your bare feet and then throwing a party for you. What does that feel like? This is how God relates to us as we turn towards him, come home and open our hearts to the gifts of his mercy and forgiveness and reconciliation.