Lent Guide 2023Sample

Monday – Connection

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

Genesis 2:18

We are made for connection. That is what the book of the beginning of all things (Genesis) teaches us. When the Creator looked at creation, everything was good, except the fact that man was alone (Gen. 2:18). Connection is to make contact and create a space where there is a feeling that you are seen, heard, felt, and accepted by another party. According to research in various fields of humanities, connection is integral to our neurobiology. That is why we experience pain through disconnection, which can lead to isolation, loneliness, powerlessness, addiction, and even depression. People with strong connections, according to research, are happier, healthier, and better able to cope with the stresses of life.

Connection enables dialogue. Connection and dialogue establish relationship. There are four relationships in which we live, according to Martin Buber. The I-Thou, I-You, I-It, and I-I relationships. This means there are four very important connections in our lives.

You are now invited to become aware of these four connections. Think separately for a moment about each of these connections – with God / your loved ones / your world.

How would you describe the connection?

How do you feel about the connection?

What would you compare the connection with?
How would you express the connection physically? (Watch yourself in the mirror, see what you look like when you express it).

What are you invited to do through this exercise?

Grace:

Lord, I ask for the grace of connection and dialogue in my relationships.