word on the web lent series

[ladylovesJesus]

13 March 2007

Praying, Giving and Receiving - a special series for Lent on Matthew's Gospel, written by Peter Graystone

Matthew 6:5
When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

Pharisees were genuinely good people - keeping laws, observing rituals, paying tithes. However, the need to be seen doing these things had become more important than their inner relationship with God. Jesus scorned that.

Saying clever words of prayer does nothing to impress God. But saying honest words of prayer is vital. Being seen in church a hundred times a week is irrelevant. But praying from the heart is crucial.


Pray today your own prayer, in simple words, quietly on your own.

 

[andrewnicholas]

Lent is such an important time in the Christian calendar. We all keep a constant awareness of what Jesus suffered for us but the services offered by the various Christian congregations really highlight just how great His scarifice was.I would encourage fellow members to attend Lenten services.Its amazing how relevant they are in our own lives - how clear the messages are and how we can improve as Christians through active participation. My church holds a way of the Cross service each Monday evening where we walk as Jesus did stopping to consider His sacrifice and sufferings at various stages along the way.At each point we remember that Jesus has saved us through His sacrifice and our Pastor adds a message that relates to contemporary life.May we all find peace and love during this blessed season of Lent. Amen.