All are invited to the Sunday discussion group.

Lent begins in the wilderness.  The Spirit guides Jesus there, to face temptations and struggles, but also to prepare him for ministry.  Folks like us rarely enter the wilderness willingly! But this Lent, we are invited to spend time daily in wilderness devotions. Perhaps this is also a Spirit led time of preparation for us as individuals and as a congregation?

In these Wilderness devotions, the sustenance is modest.  We are given a verse, a phrase, or perhaps only a word to contemplate.

* Unlike devotions designed to encourage by example, there will be no stories of triumphant faith.

* Unlike devotions designed to expand understanding, there are no intricate truths to be thought out.

* Unlike devotions designed to challenge one’s spiritual muscles, these daily exercises are easy.

Still, you are invited to devote yourself to your relationship with God, Jesus, the world and human community by receiving and meditating tiny moments from Scripture.

Some guidance may be helpful. It will seem too little. But here’s an approach

Read the phrase aloud.
Write it down.
Repeat. Repeat. Repeat until you know this phrase by heart.

Then hold the phrase lightly as you breathe in, breathe out.

Where does it connect with your life, just now.  (Pay attention to this!)

If there is no connection, consider why not? Is the phrase pointing out something you lack? (Ponder that.)

Is the phrase inviting something new to emerge? Be open.

Just stay with the phrase.

Feel it. Observe it. But, don’t argue or try to judge it.  Befriend it as best you can.

Once you’ve made peace with the phrase, show your gratitude by including it in your daily pauses…
pouring a cup of tea, a glass of water: remember;
walking to the mailbox or reviewing the letters: remember;
before clearing the dish: remember.
Let this one brief phrase be your companion…and invite it into your dreams.  Repeat with a new phrase on your next day of Wilderness Devotions.