lent99

Welcome

Prayer

Son came to save sinners.

We come to this time of to reassessment. 

We admit our failures, and through self-examination shall attempt,

with your help, to redirect our lives, our faith, and hope in you and rededicate ourselves to lives of unselfish love as followers of Jesus Christ.

Asking for new and honest hearts,

And the healing power of your forgiveness.

Create and make in us new hearts,

Short lesson

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent ñ a 40 day period before Easter of repentance and renewal.   Ashes ñ symbolize sorrow and repentance.  A sign that life will pass, so we may remember that only by Godís gracious gift we have everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Choosing penitential practices that encourage inner renewal and reconciliation with God.  Set aside time of prayer, study and worship.  Meditate on Christís sacrifice and its meaning for us today.

Practices of Lent

Fasting ñ imposes self discipline and encourages meditation and reflection

Special Commitments ñ giving up something for a greater good.

Participating in good deeds ñ to serve and benefit others.  Encourages compasion and charity in your daily life, and eases the pain in other people.

Prayer and reflection ñ examining your life seriously.

Stuyding scripture ñ Studying Christís life and death can bring new meainnd and relevance to events that may sometimes seem very distant from todayís world. 

Participation in worship services. 

Helpful Hints 1)  observe with others; 2) Be fair to yourself;  3) Be realistic  4) Be honest;  5) Develop helpful attitudes ñ opportunity rather than sacrifice;  6) Choose Lenten practices that will help you become a stronger Christian.

I invite you to observe a holy Lent, by self-examination, penitence, prayer, fasting, reading and meditating on the Word of God.  To make a right beginning, and as a mark of our mortality, let us now come before our Creator and Redeemer. 

            Distribute the ashes. ñ Vocal group sings after they receive the ashes.

Repent and believe the gospel.

Singing

Prayer groups

Read through Psalm 51:1-17

Closing ñ Lord have mercy on your people.  Have

Sources of Lenten practices of 40 days of prayer and fasting are found in Exodus 34:27 with Moses;  I Kings 19:1-18 with Elijah; and Matt 4:1-2 with Jesus.  

Begin with examining and evaluating your life as a Christian.  Experience a spiritual renewal through the awareness, regret and change.  compassionStudyingmeaningReconciliation with God involves:

Sorrow for sins   admitting Christ died for your sins

Commitment 0 more than just going to church

Spiritual growth   Christian maturity begins when you acknowledge dependence on God.

Perseverance   all Christians have experiences times of trials and overcome temptations and despair.

Christ urges His followers not to be complacent, but to actively pursue faith