SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK
While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud surrounded them. A voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!” Matthew 17:5 (NIRV)
SAY, PRAY AND BLESS:
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord, help us to pay attention to your Word so that faith shines forth from our hearts. Amen. (2 Peter 1:19)
Mealtime Prayer:
God, our provider, you are full of love and full of might. May we shine for you with faith so bright. Amen.
A Blessing to Give:
May the Lord Jesus bring you peace when you are afraid. May you listen to him and look to him, now and always. Amen. (Matthew 17:5-6)
CARING CONVERSATIONS
Discuss in your household or small group:
• Are you a good listener? What is involved in listening carefully to others?
• The voice from heaven said, “Listen to him.” In what ways do you listen to Jesus?
• What helps you to listen to Jesus? What stops you from listening?
DEVOTIONS
March 5th is Ash Wednesday, the first of the 40 days of Lent. Traditionally, Christians receive ashes on their heads on this day as a reminder of their mortality and a sign of sorrow for sin. Have a small Ash Wednesday observance in your home. Prepare in advance a small bowl of ashes to use.
Leader: God’s Word tells us that our earthen bodies will one day return to dust (Genesis 3:19). But, Jesus Christ saves us from sin (Romans 8:11). As Lent begins today, let us pray for faith in him.
Prayer: Lord God, as the season of Lent begins today, we confess our need for a Savior. Help us to trust and follow Jesus. Amen.
Take turns making the sign of the cross with ashes on one another’s foreheads, saying these words: “Repent and look to Jesus your Savior, for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”
Leader: God remembers that we are dust and has compassion for us. The Lord’s love is with those who worship him. Go in peace. Amen.
SERVICE
Consider giving up a household treat, food or activity for Lent. Each week, put aside the amount of money saved by doing so. Decide on a charitable cause and donate the money at the end of Lent.
RITUALS AND TRADITIONS
The day before Ash Wednesday is called Shrove Tuesday. The name “shrove” comes from the practice of being “shriven”—going to church to confess your sins and receive absolution before the start of Lent. Shrove Tuesday is also sometimes called Pancake Tuesday or Fat Tuesday because households used up their remaining eggs and fats before Lent by making pancakes on this day. Have a Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast or dinner. As you eat, talk about what Jesus gave up for our sake, and what you could give up during Lent to prepare spiritually for Easter.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Lectionary readings for this Sunday.
We invite you to take time each day to read the assigned
Bible passages.
Sunday Matthew 17:1-9 Jesus shines on a mountain
Monday Exodus 3:1-14 Moses and the burning bush
Tuesday 2 Corinthians 4:5-11 God’s light shines in our hearts
Wednesday Matthew 6:1-6,16-18 The practice of faith
Thursday Isaiah 55:1-7 Turn to the Lord
Friday Joel 2:1-2,12-17 Return to God
Saturday Psalm 51:7-15 Wash me clean
Sunday Matthew 4:1-11 The temptation of Jesus
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