GATHER
With your family, community group, friends, or alone, get comfortable in a quiet space. If possible, dim the lights. Turn off and put away your phones. Make sure children have used the bathroom! Say: “We are taking away all of the things that will distract us, to make space to come close to God.” After settling, light a candle and pause for silence before you begin.
ENTER GOD’S PRESENCE
LEADER: (blows out the candle) Today is the day we remember that we are like ashes. Without Jesus, we are like fires that have gone out.
RESPONSE: God, we need your life. Jesus, we need your light. Holy Spirit, we need your fire.
LEADER: Jesus, help us see your light in our lives today and throughout this season of Lent. Amen.
REFLECT ON MY DAY
Review what has happened today, using these prompts. You can do this silently or aloud:
- What do I want to say “thank you” for today? When have I felt like God or another person was giving me a gift? When have I felt happy or safe?
- When was I sad or scared today? Was I worried? Did anything happen today I wish I could erase?
OFFER MY DAY TO GOD
Have you felt like a blown-out candle today? Like ashes that can’t light themselves? Talk to Jesus about that feeling, and ask him to be close to you in it. Tell God “thank you” for the times when you have felt life and light glowing around you like a burning flame.
Close in prayer from Psalm 51:
Open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence and do not take your holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again, and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
In Jesus name, Amen.
DAILY PRAYERS
THURSDAY, MARCH 2
“O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.” — Psalm 139:1-2
Pray these verses. Sit quietly with God, and remember that you are known and loved inside and out.
FRIDAY, MARCH 3
“You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.” — Psalm 139:5-6
Pray these verses. Sit quietly with God, and imagine how thoroughly God’s love surrounds you.
SATURDAY, MARCH 4
“Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.” — Psalm 139:7-10
Pray these verses. Ask God to help you understand his nearness and presence more and more each day of Lent.