Textperience – Lent @ the Branch
Lent, which comes from the Germanic word for springtime, is often seen as a time of spiritual spring cleaning: a season in which we take inventory of our lives and lear out those things which hinder our relationship with Jesus Christ and our service to him.
For centuries Christians have done this spiritual cleansing through a variety of disciplines. This year we’ll be joining in that practice by spending Lent reading and praying the Scriptures in the belief that we will experience God and be changed.
Whether you read the Bible regularly, or never have; whether you’re quite comfortable spending time in conversation with God, or you’re not sure where to start — this Lenten journey is for you. First: make a commitment to join in. Carve out time. Put it on your calendar. And if you miss a day or two – don’t throw in the the towel. Stick with it.
Second: take advantage of the resources on this page.
Third: live Lent expectantly. God promises to meet us when we seek him. Believe this promise and get ready.
Read the Text
Each week’s lectionary readings has an Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament and Gospel reading. You can read one of the readings each day of the week — or read them all in one sitting — or focus on just one of the passages for the entire week. It’s up to you.
First four days of Lent (Feb. 13 [Ash Wednesday]-Feb. 17)
Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16, Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13
Second week of Lent (February 18-February 24)
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)
Third week of Lent (February 25-March 3)
Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9
Fourth week of Lent (March 4-March 10)
Joshua 5:9-12, Psalm 32, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Fifth week of Lent (March 11-March 17)
Isaiah 43:16-21, Psalm 126, Philippians 3:4b-14, John 12:1-8
Sixth week of Lent (March 18-March 24)
Isaiah 50:4-9a, Psalm 31:9-16, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49
Pray the Text
Each day of the week we’ll be posting a prayer on our website and on Facebook and Twitter. Praying an already-written prayer may feel unfamiliar, so here are a few tips.
Slowly read the prayer of the day– perhaps read through it a few times (they’ll be short). Once your mind has quieted down and the words have begun to sink in, begin to make the words of the prayer your words. Say them to God (out loud may be helpful). If the prayer has a request – make it your request. If the prayer offers praise – make it your praise.
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