Lent Journey - 2016Sample

LENT IS FOR SHARING DAILY PRAYER REQUEST: Lord, help me become more generous. DAILY THOUGHT: JOYFUL SIMPLICITY “Live simply so that others may simply live” is not only a catchy phrase, it is also wise spiritual counsel as well as good financial advice. Simplicity frees us from over concern about material things, makes greater generosity possible and helps us to live more freely and lightly. However, we need to be careful not to make simplicity a set of external rules. This will turn something joyful into a terrible legalism. Simplicity is first and foremost an inward reality – an inner attitude that expresses itself outwardly in the way we live. It comes from putting Christ first in our lives and arranging our lives around his priorities. This could be one reason why Jesus taught, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these other things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). DAILY PRACTICE: Begin with the daily prayer request. Take time with God to think of one thing you can plan to give away over the next few days. Often Lent is a time of giving up things like sugar or coffee or sweets. Let this Lent be an opportunity for you to rather give away something of value. As you think about what it may be, make it a matter of prayer. “Lord,” we can pray, “show me what I can give away so that someone else may be blessed.”