Meditation on Sunday First of Lent

[Tyburn]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0cjF8SFQAk

making or taking time is a big theme in Lent. As a season it issues a special kind of invitation to spend some time in a aspecial way nurturing our relationship with GOD, frankly yhat sounds pretty heavy and most of us probably dont know where to start. The invitation here is rather different. Simply seek to be in the presence of GOD and enjoy the gifts his is waiting to give.

40 days and 40 nights
thou wast fasting in the wild
40 days and 40 nights
tempted and yet undefiled
sunbeams scorching all the day
chilly dewdrops nightly shed
prowling beasts about thy way
stones they pillow, earth thy bed
shall we not thy sorrows share
and from earthly joy abstain
fasting with unceasing prayer
glad with thee to suffer pain
and if satan vexing sore
flesh or spirit should assail
thou his vanquisher before
grant we may not faint nor fall
so shall we have peace divine
holier gladness ours shall be
round us too shall angels shine
such as ministered to thee

Whatever else the 40 days of lent takes christs 40 day fast in the desert as a key theme, the invitation here is not for each of us to beat ourselves up, but to go on our journey of encounter, being in the desert means facing ourselves as we really are, warts and all

Lord Our GOD, you alone do we worship, only your Word gives life. Sustain your Church in its Lenten Journey. When we walk through the desert of temptation, strengthen us to renounce the power of evil. When our faith is tested by doubt, illumine with Easters bright promise. We ask this though Our Christ, our deliverance and hope, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, Holy and Mighty GOD, for ever and ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvXddUK7I4k

There is plentiful redemption
in the blood that has been shed
there is joy for all the members
in the sorrows of the Head
there is grace enough for thousands
of new worlds as great as this
there is room for fresh creations
in that upper room of bliss
if our love were but more simple
we should take him at his word
and our lives would be all gladness
in the joy of Christ our Lord.

it has often been said that if Christians today took lent half as seriously as the Islamic Faith takes the parallel season of Ramadan, then churches across the world would be transformed, whatever else, there is certainly a lenten invitation to each of us to go on a journey of faith

for in these forty days you lead us into the desert of repentance, that through a pilgramage of prayer and discipline we may grow in grace and learn to be your people once again, through fasting, prayer and acts of service you bring us back to your generous heart, through study of your Holy Word you open our eyes to your presence in the world, and free out hands to welcome others into the radients splendour of your love.

My GOD, how wonderful thou art
thy majesty how bright
how beautiful thy mercy seat
in depth of burning light
how dread are thine eternal years
Oh everlasting Lord
by prostrate spirits day and night
incessantly adored
how wonderful how beautiful
the sight of thee must be
thine endless wisdom boundless power
and aweful purity

Oh how I fear thee, living GOD
with deepest tenderest fears
and worship thee with trembling hope
and penetential tears

GOD give you grace to grow in holiness, to deny yourseves, take up your cross, and follow him

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord