Zeal for your house
Third Sunday in Lent
Blessed Lent, friends!
We’ve arrived at the third Sunday of walking together through these weeks of prayerful repentance.
Today’s letter includes:
An excerpt from last week’s update to paid subscribers about what I’m learning so far this Lent
The church’s scripture, prayer, and practices for this week in Lent
Plus, for paid subscribers only
Today’s art and music pairing for contemplative prayer
An update from what I’m learning this Lent + a glimpse into this week at A Restful Lent Daybook
Let's begin.
Reflecting on last week
Last Sunday, I shared with paid subscribers some of what I’m learning about fasting and feasting. Here’s an excerpt:
My self-pity responses were in full effect this week. I wake up in the morning thinking first about deprivation rather than dependence on God. I’m in the bargaining stage, asking God in scribbled notes in my journal, “If something as simple as sugared cookies with my afternoon tea makes me feel more eager to move through my day, isn’t that a good thing?”
…
In reality, I’m not fully aware of the restful way of Jesus when I habitually and mindlessly shortcut my way to a restless kind of rest. In the first ten days of Lent, I am more aware than ever that sugar, alcohol, and television are pathways of least resistance for me. Paths that can be a gracious gift at times in my life but are unable to transform me into a more gracious person. For that, I need all of my reliance to rest on Jesus.
I feel like I’ve turned a corner this week in practicing a Lenten fast. I’ll share more about it at the end of today’s letter.
Community Practice & Prayer
Read today’s lectionary passages from the Book of Common Prayer (Year B)
Exodus 20:1-21; Psalm 19:7-14; Romans 7:12-25; John 2:13-221
Pray out loud the Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent from the Book of Common Prayer.
Heavenly Father, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you: Look with compassion upon the heartfelt desires of your servants, and purify our disordered affections, that we may behold your eternal glory in the face of Christ Jesus; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Break the fast
On Sundays during Lent, we break our fast (at least partially). Enjoy something you've given up, giving thanks to Christ for the abundance we receive from his obedience and great love.
Keep practicing and praying the daily office from the Book of Common Prayer.
Subscribe to A Restful Lent Daybook to receive daily Scripture, prayers, and practices for Lent. If you’d prefer not to do that, you can access this week’s scripture readings, as well as morning and evening prayers, on my church’s website.
Contemplative Practice & Prayer
Prayerfully contemplate and respond to today’s art and music pairing.
