Look LIKE Jesus
Look AT Jesus
Look WITH Jesus
Week 10: Sunday 15th March 2020
Third Sunday of Lent
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Week 9: Sunday 8th March 2020
Second Sunday of Lent
Theme: Putting on Christ (Practically) – An Introduction to Spiritual Disciplines
Scripture: Colossians 3:9-10, Hebrews 12:11, Hebrews 5:14
Top Tips for Spiritual Disciplines (from ‘The Life You’ve Always Wanted’ by John Ortberg):
1. Always Seasonal
2. Bring your own personality
3. Peaks & Troughs
4. Can’t earn God’s love
Prayer:
Father, you are good, full of light, constant in grace, mercy, justice and love.
We are seeking to follow your Son, the one who showed us life in all it’s fullness, complexity and joy. Would you send your Spirit again to fill us up because our spirits are willing but our flesh is indeed weak.
Spirit make us more like our creator, into the image of the Son. Into the people you want us to be for our family, friends, colleagues, neighbours & brothers and sisters in Christ.
Give us fresh vision that the way of Christ is not only worth it but it is also near. Within reach. Here right now.
We receive your help this day
Amen
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Learning Circle
When God speaks or nudges us very often the challenge is dwelling on what he says and following through in obedience. The learning circle is a simple visual tool to help disciples discuss and discern together how God may be speaking to us. Imagine the sorts of conversations Jesus would have had with his disciples in the gospels.
Why don’t you grab some people from your MC and use the learning circle to deepen your conversations as you reflect on this Sunday’s message.
Week 8: Sunday 1st March 2020
First Sunday of Lent
Theme: Apprenticeship with Jesus: Pruning & the Ugly Zone
Scripture: John 15:1-4, Hebrews 12:4-7, John 7:37-38
Prayer:
“How long, Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me
Psalm 13
Further Reading:
Dallas Willard interview on Spiritual Formation
Drawing Near to God When God Seems Far Away (Lecture)
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Learning Circle
When God speaks or nudges us very often the challenge is dwelling on what he says and following through in obedience. The learning circle is a simple visual tool to help disciples discuss and discern together how God may be speaking to us. Imagine the sorts of conversations Jesus would have had with his disciples in the gospels.
Why don’t you grab some people from your MC and use the learning circle to deepen your conversations as you reflect on this Sunday’s message.
Week 7: Sunday 20th October
Theme: Sabbath Rest for the Land
Scripture: Leviticus 25:1-7 & Luke 4:16-21
Practice:
Learn:
- Read what aid agencies are saying about climate change (Tearfund, Christian Aid)
- Read ‘Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World – And Why Things Are Better Than You Think’ by Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund
- Read ‘Just Living’ by Ruth Valerio
Pray:
- Make a habit to pray for the world regularly, privately or in your missional community
- Use the prayers listed below
- Ask God to show you areas where you can bring hope in a grieving world
Produce:
- If you’ve not used up your allowance this year, book some holidays!
- Imagine what you would do with a short career break
Consume:
- Use a carbon footprint calculator to find out more about the impact of your lifestyle
- Make one change in your behaviour in October. Tell someone in church or your MC what you’ve done.
Prayer: Psalm 24 & A prayer for climate grief
Week 6: Sunday 13th October
Theme: ‘When you Pray…’
Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15
Practice: Prayer of Examen
What?
The Examen is a simple, four step way of reflecting and praying through the day. This prayer tool outlines how to start praying the Examen.
Why?
“The Examen is an immediate solution to the problem of ‘what do I pray about?’ The answer is: everything that’s happened to you today. You might have the impression that your everyday life is the dreary same old, same old. It isn’t. Daily life is rich and meaningful. Every encounter, every challenge, every disappointment, and every delight is a place where God can be found.” Jim Manney
Practice: How to Pray the Lord’s Prayer
Further resources:
- ‘God on Mute’ by Pete Greig
- ‘Prayer’ by Richard Foster
- Bridgetown Church Podcast: Prayer
- 24/7 Prayer ‘Help me Pray’ resources