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A journey through Lent - 2016
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Day Twenty Three - The Spirit.
In this passage, from Isaiah, we are given a vision of Spirit-led transformation.
The Lord's anointed has come to announce good news for the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives and the imprisoned.
Importantly, he not only prophesies these life changing events, he is also able to bring about these transformations in people's lives.
The passage speaks to us of our own brokenness and the chains of our daily lives which often weigh us down. It speaks directly into the deepest need of our hearts and souls.
We often find ourselves feeling poor, brokenhearted, alienated and trapped in prisons of our own making. We are all looking for rescue, We know that our lives are beyond our ability to control by our intelligence, money or determination.
It is in Jesus that we are shown we are not alone, not left to the insufficieny of our own efforts.
It is interesting to note that Jesus uses this passage to begin his public ministry. He reads it and boldly declares, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing".
In this period of Lent we consider the things that lead us to feel alone and powerless. We remember that the hope of transformation is fulfilled as Jesus meets the yearning need of our hearts.
Bible Passage: - Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendour.
Contemplation Saying.
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me"
Contemplative Prayer.
Think of the saying in order to understand context and meaning,
Feel the meaning of the saying with and in your heart,
Pray, using the saying, for yourself or others. With only a name and without explaining the reasons or pre-defining any answers.
Listen for God's voice in the quiet of your prayers.
Pray using your own prayers or one of those which have been prepared below.
Hymn: Singing the Faith - ""
Let us pray together.
Twitter Prayer
Help me, today, to experience the healing, freedom and wholeness that Jesus gives.
Facebook Prayer
Loving Father, you have saved me. Something I know I could never do through my own abilities.
I know this at the very core of my sould, yet so often I turn back to relying on myself.
Help me, today, to experience the healing, freedom and wholeness that Jesus gives. In his Name, Jesus our Saviour, we pray. Amen.
Full Prayer
Loving Father, you have saved me. Something I know I could never do through my own abilities.
I know this at the very core of my sould, yet so often I turn back to relying on myself.
So often I forget that you are there and that through your grace I am made whole.
Constantly remind me, that it is only through your love, that I am set free from the chains which try to hold me. The temptations that curl around my life. The weeds of sin which try to smother me.
You are my God and before you, all of these things are placed into perspective. Still there, but I am able to overcome them in the power of your Holy Spirit.
Help me, today, to experience the healing, freedom and wholeness that Jesus gives. In his Name, Jesus our Saviour, we pray. Amen.
