Mon 20 Feb to Mon 27 February
Today's Resources
The First Step
Take five deep breaths. Check-in with how you are feeling – in body, in mind, in spirit. Take five more deep breaths and ask God to abide with you in this moment.
The Second Step
Read this week’s hymn verse.
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise
How does it describe what happened yesterday, and today?
Talk to God about this.
The Third Step
A reading from Matthew 3 and 4
Day One
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Try and picture these scenes in as much detail as you can. Can you imagine Jesus humming the first verse of our hymn?
Day Two
The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Some temptations are in the moment. Other temptations are long-lasting struggles. How do you deal with them?
Day Three
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
These verses talk about putting God to the test. Honestly reflect on a time when you have actually felt let down by God.
Day Four
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Try and picture these scenes in as much detail as you can. Can you imagine Jesus humming the first verse of our hymn?
The Fourth Step
Read this week’s prayer. What stands out for you today?
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Fifth Step
Read the hymn verse again.
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise
How does this describe what’s coming up the rest of today and tomorrow? Talk to God about this.