permission granted from dr. kevin anderson, jari knowlton...

LENTEN PRAYER JOURNAL CREATED BY PASTOR LORI ANN STRANG | PAGE 70

Pastor Lori Ann Strang serves as a

redevelopment pastor in the inner city of

Toledo Ohio at Redeemer Lutheran

Church (ELCA). She is passionate about

human rights, social justice, art, poetry,

the spiritual journey, advocacy, writing,

music and theatre. She is grateful to

share this resource with her colleagues

for the 2018 season of Lent.

Permission granted from Dr. Kevin Anderson, Jari Knowlton Simard, Rev. Nancy Roth and

Clare Wilson, for the use and reference of their work in this journal.

Copyright © 2018 Lori Ann Strang

Published by Lori Ann Strang, 2018.

Except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews no part of this book may be

reproduced in any manner without permission from the publisher or copyright holders.

Contact Pastor Lori Strang at [email protected].

First printing February 2018



It’s time to begin our 2018 Lenten faith practices.

This book will serve as your personal prayer journal

throughout the 40 days of Lent. Our mid-week Lenten

gatherings will introduce a variety of prayer practices

including:

Lectio Divina, Centering prayer, Model prayers,

Guided meditation and Psalm embodiment.

Each week there will be prompts to assist you with the

newly introduced prayer practice. In addition to the

practice of prayer, we are pairing each of the prayer

practices with one or two of the fruits of the spirit:

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness,

generosity, faithfulness and self-control.

Zoar’s family life center (FLC) will have a labyrinth available

throughout the season. All are encouraged to experience

walking the labyrinth. There is information about labyrinths

and the prayerful/meditative experience of walking the

labyrinth available in this booklet (pgs. 4-6). You are

welcome to invite others to join you in your labyrinth walk &

the labyrinth may serve as an outreach tool to share your

faith and your Lenten experience with others in your life.

For an outdoor labyrinth experience, Dr. Jeannie Dennler, a

member of St. Lucas Church in Toledo, has invited folks to

stop by her home and walk the labyrinth, which is marked

by stones in the back yard. Jeannie’s address is: 2803

River Road (non-river side) - pull straight back to the wrap

around drive and park opposite the house.


Anderson, Kevin, PhD. Divinity in Disguise. Copyright © 2003. Guided

mediation & Nested Meditations p 45-51, 60.

IBID. Now Is Where God Lives.— In process ...Coming soon— a year

of nested meditations. p 45.

Cavanagh, Laura K. A Lenten meditation over video Cavanagh shot on

Carpinteria City Beach in California. Posted June 9, 2013. p 51.

Chopra.com. The Chopra Center. Guided meditation p 44.

Contemplative Outreach organization Centering prayer

CTCatholic Corner & Tatiana. Video by CTCatholic Corner, Music by Tatiana

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord. From the album

I Thirst by Tatiana. Scenes from Mel Gibson’s The Passion of

Christ movie. Posted March 31, 2009. Good Friday p 65.

Freecoloringpages.com 5 finger prayer illustration p 36. Example p 53.

Haugen, Marty. Holden Evening Prayer Service Composed at Holden

Village while Haugen was the musician in residence for the 1985-86.

copyright © 1990, 2016. Psalm Embodiment p 57.

Hanh, Thick Nhat. The Miracle of Mindfulness. 1975. Centering prayer

Havanna Wellness Studies / Yoga chakras p 4.

Judith, Anodea. Wheels of Life. Copyright © 1987. Chakras; diagrams. p 4.

Keating, Fr. Thomas centering prayer. p 26-27.

Moore, Kathie. Labyrinthia. Labyrinths illustrated p 5.

Petchu, Andre & Trenning, Anne. Video by Petchu, Music by Trenning.

Prayer for the World. From the album Sunflower Waltz by Trenning.

Posted November 15, 2015. p 52.

Roth, Nancy. Spiritual Exercises: Joining Body & Spirit in Prayer. Copyright

© 2005. Psalm Embodiment. p 54-59.

UCLA Mindfulness Awareness Research Center. Guided meditation p 44.

Wilson, Clare. Reconciliation Labyrinth design. Capetown, South Africa.

Copyright © 2002. p 6.


Anderson, Kevin, Ph.D. www.thewingedlife.com.—Dr. Anderson’s personal website

and gateway to his writing and ongoing spiritual practices. I was delighted to

include some of Dr. Anderson’s work in this journal and end inspired by his

meditative form of poetic expression on Resurrection day with the Nested

Meditation I wrote specifically for this year’s Easter Sunday.

Biblegateway.com scripture reference

Batterson, Mark. The Circle Maker, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge.

2012. Guided Meditation. I have made a promise to myself to do this 40 day

Prayer challenge—it could be a personal Lenten discipline in the future or

perhaps I’ll be inspired to take it up in the 50 days throughout the season of

Easter—I invite any of you to join me! I became interested in this style of prayer

because of the prayer walks that began to transform the community of

Redeemer and its neighborhood—reinvesting in our local neighborhood—and

physically being present while spiritually standing for transformation through

prayer.

CatholicLink.org labyrinths; scripture reference

Chopra, Deepak. Peace Is the Way. 2005. Centering prayer. I read this fine book in

the Summer of 2007 on a trip to New Mexico. It is a challenging and inspiring

book that is a wonderful addition to your faith and your library. I grew in

understanding centering prayer practice and mindfulness through my reading of

this book as well as the Miracle of Mindfulness by Thick Nhat Hanh.

Knowlton Simard, Jari Original artwork included on pages 50 & 53. Mandala &

Spiritual Fruits Bowl. Jari is the office manager at Redeemer in Toledo and has

many creative gifts and talents including art—using versatile mediums including

pencil/paper. She has also designed bulletin covers and other liturgical pieces

for the office and individual enjoyment. Jari hails from Lynn, Massachusetts and

is a true east coast spirit. She participated in NW Ohio Synod’s Abundant Life

Together gap year program for young adults in 2015-16 which brought her to

NW Ohio.

Powell, Mark Allan. Loving Jesus. 2004. Practice of prayer

Roth, Nancy, the Reverend. Reverend Roth serves as an ordained Episcopal priest in

Oberlin Ohio at Christ Episcopal Church. She is a teacher, inspirational

speaker, spiritual guide, dancer & wholeness leader. I spoke with Rev. Roth

regarding her work and she was delighted that we would be using it for some of

our Lenten discipline in growing toward God and in prayer. Rev. Roth is

credited with the 23rd Psalm & Lord’s prayer Embodiment which are included in

her book, Spiritual Exercises, pp 102-104 & used as an introduction for many

of us the 5th week of Lent.

Studylight.org scripture reference

Wikipedia general reference


The tree that appears on the cover of this journal is original artwork by Pastor Lori Ann Strang.

The tree on the cover of this journal has two sides representing the

tree at the beginning of the scriptures (Genesis) and the tree at the end (Revelation).

The left side of the tree alludes to the tree of the knowledge of good &

evil found in the middle of the Genesis garden (chapter 3). The right side

of the tree alludes to the tree of life found in the middle of the city of

God in Revelation (chapter 22: 1-5) that has 12 different kinds of fruit and

whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.

The leaves on the right side hold the names of the 9 fruits of the Spirit

(Galatians 5: 22-26). Signs of God’s Holy Spirit at work in our lives as

disciples of Christ.

Lent affords us the opportunity to confront the duality of life—

“simultaneously being sinner and saint” as Martin Luther said. Sin is a

constant condition of the world we live in and sin is present in some of

the choices we make. Sin is always at work in the systems of society

and life in which we participate. But Christ is also at work in us.

Calling us to new life. Making us new through the transformative

power of grace. We live in the tension between being “already”

claimed and saved by grace but “not yet” capable of living it out to the

fullest extent in faith.

Prayer is an opportunity to deepen and strengthen our relationship

with God & Christ. Prayer molds, shapes and develops our

relationship with our Lord and one another. Prayer is what nourishes

our life and strengthens our understanding of God’s kingdom being

brought about in our life and the lives of those around us. Through

prayer, we have access to the Holy Spirit’s power and the power of

God becomes visible in our lives—raising us to new life through that

same Spirit’s presence. We become people of love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, gentleness, generosity, faithfulness and self-

control. We exhibit and bear “good fruit”


Labyrinths are ancient prayer paths—a path leading from the world toward a

center or to the heart of God. A walk to achieve harmony—body, mind and

spirit. A pattern of life—encountering space and time when we are closer or

further away from centeredness and harmony.

Labyrinths are NOT mazes—they have one path in and one path out—no

dead ends or paths that lead other directions. The meditative practice for

walking a labyrinth can take many forms. Some include:

Walking toward God

Intentional focus on a question / problem one faces

Steps toward a new direction or commitment in life—leaving the old with God

in the center and moving out from the center toward the new.

Calling forth of harmony within one’s life—body, mind and spirit.

There are typically seven rows of paths leading to the center of a

labyrinth. Each path can be connected to a chakra of the body:

Enter with your WILL continue toward your DESIRE, GROUND yourself, experience LOVE, follow your

INTUITION toward UNDERSTANDING, INTUITION & COMMUNICATION with God in the center.

ROOT 1, grounding/stability

SACRAL 2, desire/pleasure

SOLAR PLEXUS 3, power/will

HEART 4, compassion/love

THROAT 5, communication/creativity

THIRD EYE 6, intuition/sight

CROWN 7, understanding/insight

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

PATHS NUMBERED

FROM OUTSIDE TO

CENTER. Illustrations used with permission from Kathie Moore, Labyrinthia & Havanna Wellness Studios/Yoga


April

April Fool’s!

April Fool’s Day.

April Fool’s! Day of Resurrection.

April Fool’s Day.

Of Resurrection—new life—hope—promise.

April. Fool’s day of Resurrection.

New life—hope—promise

in the hands of terrified witnesses.

April Fool’s!

Day of Resurrection

New life

Hope

Promise

In the hands of terrified witnesses who said nothing to anyone.

They were afraid.

April Fool’s!

Day of Resurrection

New life—Hope—Promise

In the hands of terrified witnesses who said nothing to anyone.

They were afraid—but then he appeared.

April fools.

Day of Resurrection.

New life—Hope—Promise in the hands of terrified witnesses

Who said nothing? To anyone, they were afraid.

But then, He appeared.

Bringing peace to all who believe.

- a nested meditation by

Pastor Lori Strang


HOLY SATURDAY— VIGIL OF

EASTER

Page through this journal and think about your Lenten experience.

Write a prayer or journal about the growth you see God has brought to

your life in the past 40 days.


Use these labyrinths

with a pencil or stylus

Labyrinths on this page were public domain and downloaded free from the world wide web.


In South Africa there was a need for a symbolic and sacred ritual walk toward

reconciliation. Bishop Desmond Tutu proposed that those in need of reconciliation

follow two separate paths toward that place of peace and new relationship.

Dr. Jeannie Dennler’s labyrinth is a “reconciliation labyrinth” with 2 paths leading in

that meet in the middle. The “reconciliation labyrinth” can also be used for two

people blessing each other on their journey as they head in two different directions

following a divorce, dissolution or dissolving of a partnership.

In a case of intentional parting the two begin in the middle and

leave by separate paths symbolizing the time together and

decision to walk on their own going forward, but doing so

together and in the presence of the other person.

Here is the outline for the reconciliation labyrinth originally commissioned by the

Truth and Reconciliation commission in South Africa most designs credited to

Clare Wilson.

The reconciliation labyrinth can also be walked alone entering by one path and

leaving those burdens carried in at the center—and exiting by the other path into

new life.

Use this labyrinth

with a pencil or stylus


GOOD FRIDAY

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPmGcridHQ8

and use it as a guided meditation.

Record your reflections below.


MAUNDY THURSDAY

Faithfulness & Self-Control are two fruits of the Spirit which Jesus

embodies in his passion for us.

Light a candle / incense, dim the lights and meditate on the words

of one of the hymns listed below.

(For a more centering prayer experience search the title of the song on your mobile

device or computer & listen to it while you write your reflections)

Write your reflections here:

GO TO DARK GETHSEMENE

AH, HOLY JESUS

JESUS, I WILL PONDER NOW

BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS

ALAS AND DID MY SAVIOR BLEED

THERE IN GOD’S GARDEN


WELCOME TO LENT 2

COVER ART / ROOTED IN PRAYER THEME 3

LABYRINTHS 4-6

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK 8

LENT BEGINS 9-15

LECTIO DIVINA 16-24

Introduction Love Joy 16-17

CENTERING PRAYER & MINDFULNESS 25-33

Introduction Peace Patience 25-26

MODEL PRAYERS 34-42

Introduction Kindness Gentleness 34-35

GUIDED MEDITATION 43-53

Introduction Generosity 43-46

Nested Meditation (Dr. Kevin Anderson) 45-46

PSALM EMBODIMENT 54-59

Introduction Faithfulness Self-Control 54-55

HOLY WEEK 60-67

ENDNOTES & REFERENCE 68-69


Each new prayer practice and its associated fruit of the

Spirit will be introduced and explained on the Wednesday

of the week in which the practice is planned to be

highlighted and experienced in worship.

The week of Ash Wednesday through mid-week Lent 1

will focus on the overall message and scripture passages

associated with the Rooted in Prayer theme.

Holy Week will include a focus on Our Lord’s passion

narrative corresponding with the Triduum (“Three Days”—

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Resurrection Sunday).

Each day will have a full page of space throughout the

Lenten season. The page will include the date, a prompt

to inspire you for your journaling and, in some cases, an

example or an internet link to an example or other

resource that can be accessed on your smart phone,

laptop or home computer.

Space will then be provided for your journaling.


READ Mark 14: 12-25

REFLECT Write down the word or phrase that stood out

RESPOND (read the passage of scripture again, slowly)

What does this reading teach me?

Is it asking me to think/act differently than I do now?

What do I think God is saying to me?

REMAIN ( Sit with your thoughts a while—write them down—pray, end)

HOLY WEEK

WEDNESDAY


HOLY WEEK

TUESDAY

Use this prayer fashioned after a Jewish prayer for

YOM KIPPUR (the day of repentance):

Most Merciful Savior … With the power of transformation

and healing in the universe, I forgive anyone who has

hurt, upset or offended me by hurting my body, taking

my property, damaging my reputation, hurting my

feelings, shaming me, undermining my friendships,

hurting my income, frightening me, making me angry, or

damaging the people that I love—whether by accident or

as an act of revenge or intent.

I humbly ask that all guilt, shame, hurt, loss, brokenness,

financial hardship, fear, anger and thoughts or fantasies

of revenge I have carried be removed from me.

Read Psalm 51 aloud and then name the names of the people/

situations in question. You may wish to place a pebble or other small

token into a bowl or other vessel as a physical representation of each

situation and keep it somewhere you can see it often today. Each

time you do, pray again:

I humbly ask that all guilt, shame, hurt, loss, brokenness,

financial hardship, fear, anger and thoughts or fantasies

of revenge I have carried be removed from me.

At the end of the day throw out the tokens or drop them into a

lake or a river nearby—throw them across a field and let

them go—Say the name and then say “I release you”.


Play this 10 minute Ash Wednesday Entrance meditation found at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP89gMtJO7c

Repentance, fasting, prayer, generosity & acts of kindness are the

hallmarks of Lent.

How do you want to live out these hallmarks?

FEBRUARY 14

ASH WEDNESDAY


THURSDAY

FOLLOWING ASH WEDNESDAY

Read Genesis chapter 3—journal your thoughts about it:


HOLY WEEK

MONDAY

READ Mark 14: 12-25








PALM / PASSION SUNDAY

Write a nested meditation about Holy Week or Palm Sunday.


FRIDAY


Read Revelation chapter 22—journal your thoughts about it:


SATURDAY


Read Galatians 5: 22-26— What fruits of the Spirit are difficult to

access for you? Which ones are easier—divide the page and list

them. Write what makes them difficult or easy or a prayer for help

from God in expanding your ability.


SATURDAY

LENT 5

Read Psalm 130

This psalm embodiment focuses on “rest” in the Lord.

Lay down on your bed or the floor—somewhere that your whole body

can stretch out fully.

Notice how gravity has you in its grip. Imagine that pull to be the hold

of God on your life. Allow all your muscles to relax first gently moving

your feet, ankles, slightly bending knees, wiggling hips, chest, shoul-

ders, wrists, hands and neck/head.

Picture your inner organs relaxing too and calm your mind.

Repeat to yourself or aloud “Peace” as you relax each part of you and

allow your whole body to rest in the hands of God.

After you have stretched and relaxed each part of your body—

concentrate on your breathing …. As you breath in say to yourself or

aloud: BE STILL AND KNOW

As you breath out: THAT I AM GOD.

You may wish to set a vibrating timer or quiet alarm for 10-20 minutes.

To take you in and out of this embodiment “resting” prayer.


FRIDAY

LENT 5

Read Psalm 131

This practice is called a “movement mantra”.

Sitting or standing—review the diagrams of prayer posture on p.

54 . We will especially incorporate 1,2,3 & 6.

This psalm is about resting in the truth that God is God and we

can trust God and build our hope around God.

Begin with position 1 then stretch your arms out to the sides like the shape of

a cross and then raise them toward the sky as in postures 3 or 6 then bring

them back to position 1. Use these words below:

Use each verse 1 x—repeating “in the name of the Father Son and Holy

Spirit) with the body motions — praying the phrase & blessing 7 times.

I have been claimed…

I am protected…

I am chosen…

I am made new…

I have courage...

I have strength…

I have promise…

In the name of the Father (1)

Son (arms to sides in shape of cross)

& Holy Spirit (3 or 6) Amen (1)


SUNDAY—LENT 1

Where are the parched places of your life?

What is your wilderness?


MONDAY

LENT 1

Use this list to name someone who has shown you or taught you

something about the fruit named & give thanks to God for them:

LOVE

JOY

PEACE

PATIENCE

KINDNESS

GENTLENESS

GENEROSITY

FAITHFULNESS

SELF-CONTROL


THURSDAY

LENT 5

Read Psalm 96

Notice how everything mentioned in the psalm is praising God—one

way we praise God is with our voices & singing.

Choose a hymn—a spiritual song (psalm) that is familiar to you.

Stand or move about with hand or body motions and interpret the

hymn. ( Many hymns are available if you google the title )

Let the interpretation of the hymn you choose be your own way of as-

cribing to the Lord the glory due God.

SUGGESTED HYMNS:

LORD LET MY HEART BE GOOD SOIL

SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD

I WANT TO WALK AS A CHILD OF THE LIGHT

I WANT JESUS TO WALK WITH ME

ADVANCED IDEAS:

HOLDEN EVENING PRAYER

MORNING PRAYER


WEDNESDAY

LENT 5

Read Psalm 27

What fears do you have about your future or present?

Set a timer for 3 minutes and write down as many as you can. Think of what

gestures (use p. 54 to assist you) you might use to represent these fears.

Light a candle.

Offer up each one—then with body movement “collect them” and pour them

out over the candle light.

Lift your hands over your head in celebration that God might “fill you” with the

Holy Spirit and cast out any remnants of these fears.

ADVANCED Ideas:

Create your own holy yoga experience to let go of these fears and invite

God’s Holy Spirit in to refresh you with liberation.

Create a liturgical dance that represents this ritual of letting go and God’s

Spirit rushing in.— suggested music: Thy Word


TUESDAY

LENT 1

Read 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Meditate for a moment on the scripture & the cover art of this

journal. How do these words and pictures represent

transformation for you from one garden (EDEN) to another (CITY

OF GOD).

What words in the 1st Corinthians reading stood out for you?


Lectio Divina (pronounced “lexio divina” ) is a mixture of

scripture reading and prayer. Lectio Divina’s goal is

connecting heart, spirit, body & mind with God and the Holy

Spirit’s power. This divine connection is achieved through

contemplation and meditation that lead the participant to life

application, discipleship & a deeper relationship (abiding)

with God. The idea is to “dwell” with God or “abide” with God

through the practice of reading, reflecting, responding &

remaining.

Lectio Divina or “Divine Reading” date back to the 6th

century when this four fold method of prayer became a

familiar practice in monasteries throughout the early church.

The 4 parts are: READ REFLECT RESPOND REMAIN

READ - invoke the Holy Spirit and read aloud a

passage of scripture.

REFLECT - contemplate a word or phrase that seemed

to stick out in the reading. Write it down or

repeat it in your mind silently—if in a group

share it after the silent time without

explanation or discussion. Consider what

they may mean to you right now.

RESPOND - read the passage of scripture again, slowly.

Really take in the reading and concentrate on

what the passage may be asking you to learn

or how it may be asking you to think or act

differently or to change your behavior. Write

your thoughts down.

REMAIN - open your heart and Spirit to God’s voice.

Listen to your heart. Listen to the “still small

voice”.


Steadfast love and FAITHFULNESS will meet; righteousness

and peace will kiss each other.

FAITHFULNESS will spring up from the ground and

righteousness will look down from the sky.

-PSALM 85: 10-11

For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your

faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and

knowledge with SELF-CONTROL, and SELF -CONTROL with

endurance and endurance with godliness and godliness with

mutual affection and mutual affection with love.

-2 PETER 1: 5-7

The fruits of the Spirit paired with this week’s prayer

practice are FAITHFULNESS & SELF-CONTROL.

Although you may not be acquainted with moving during

prayer, we will be exploring how our body’s movements

can be a fuller expression of our prayers.

We will be using the book of Psalms as a basis for this

week’s call to prayer embodiment—remembering how

we are created from the essence of God.

Jesus embodied the words of the psalms in the account

of his passion. Our Lord’s faithfulness and self-control

are demonstrated in his body on the cross.

May our bodies be instruments for expressing praise &

thanksgiving for his most marvelous gift.

See

heartbeatjourney.org & google liturgical dance


Embodiment of prayer is grounded in scripture and continues

to be a way to engage the whole self in prayer. Liturgical

dance, yoga, walking a labyrinth, intentional movement asso-

ciated with meditation and reflection; or conversation with

God that involves movement of hands, gesturing, walking or

other body movement is considered body prayer.

Some basic prayer postures include:

1. hands pressed together near the center of the chest

2. hands held forward upturned and cupped as a bowl

3. hands raised above the head with outstretched fingers

4. arms crossed over the body with right hand near the left

shoulder and left hand near the right shouder.

5. bowing at the waist

6. hands/arms lifted in blessing with palms out or cupped

hands upturned in blessing position.

7. sitting cross legged in the yoga lotus position with hands

on knees

8. sitting in a chair with hands on knees upturned and feet

grounded flat on the floor

9. kneeling or lying prostrate

10. kneeling and bowed with face to the ground and hands/

arms outstretched

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


One of the [Pharisees], a lawyer, questioned Jesus saying:

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”

And Jesus answered, “You shall LOVE the Lord your God with

all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This

is the first and greatest commandment.” -MATTHEW 22:37-39

As the Father has LOVED me, so I have LOVED you; abide in

my LOVE. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my

LOVE; just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and

abide in his LOVE. I have said these things to you so that my

JOY may be in you, and that your JOY may be complete.

-JOHN 15: 9-11


practice are LOVE & JOY.

Lectio Divina was developed as a conversational way of

building a relationship with God through engaging your

heart, soul, strength and mind.

Those who abide with God—as the practice of Lectio

Divina encourages us to do— become strong disciples

who have the promise of joy made complete in the

relationship that God through Christ builds with us.


WEDNESDAY

LENT 1

READ Mark 4: 1-9








TUESDAY

LENT 5

Original artwork by Lori Ann Strang

Color & write one word prayer intentions

in the image below—example:


MONDAY

LENT 5

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeVRohlNHY0

And write your reflections below

on your own prayer for the world.


THURSDAY

LENT 1

READ Mark 4: 21-25








FRIDAY

LENT 1

READ 1 Corinthians 4: 1-15








SUNDAY—LENT 5


Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY5gVnu8kHA

And follow the guided meditation for Lent.


SATURDAY

LENT 4

Original artwork by Jari Knowlton Simard

Color the image


SATURDAY

LENT 1

READ Mark 5: 21-34








SUNDAY—LENT 2

READ Psalm 71: 1-6








FRIDAY

LENT 4


Visit http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations

And choose a guided meditation from the list.


THURSDAY

LENT 4


Visit https://chopra.com/articles/guided-meditations

And choose a guided meditation from the list.


MONDAY

LENT 2

READ Matthew 22: 34-40








TUESDAY

LENT 2

READ 1 John 4: 7-21








WEDNESDAY

LENT 4

Try again the craft of nested meditation.


You don’t see me.

You don’t see me

like I am.

You don’t see me

like I am

you.

You don’t see me

like I am.

You

see me like you are.

(ANDERSON PAGE 88)

I honor you.

I honor you,

my soul.

I honor you,

my soul

companion as you are.

I honor you,

my soul

companion, as you are

Divinity in disguise.

(ANDERSON PAGE 56)

I like you.

I, like you,

long to have it all

mean something.

I, like you,

long to have it all

mean something

when I’m gone.

(ANDERSON PAGE 148)

Life is breaking me.

Life is breaking me

like a bone

that long ago healed.

Life is breaking me

like a bone

that long ago healed

wrong.

(ANDERSON PAGE 110)


Centering prayer has a purpose of creating space within our lives to

make room for the indwelling of God’s presence and the presence of

God’s Holy Spirit.

Centering prayer usually involves focal points and silence. Candles,

incense and quiet space create a heightened sense of being fully

present in the NOW.

Centering prayer is not used as an escape from reality but a deeper

grounding within one’s reality and one’s circumstances. Allowing those

circumstances and thoughts to percolate through the silence and quietly

allow our heart to ask questions for discernment, direction and guidance

leaving space for peace and acceptance to arise within the one who

prays.

Centering prayer is often connected with Eastern Zen Culture and

theology being very similar to the Mindfulness movement started by

Thich Nhat Hanh.

Basic centering prayer has 3 parts:

1) Silent reflection on a word or mantra that helps one concentrate on

being in the moment. (see next page *)

2) Deep breathing—sitting with eyes closed or purposely walking in a

private area.

3) Being open to the Origin of all that is. The Creator of all things. The

Redeemer and Spirit of Life.

Some who practice centering prayer on a regular basis set a quiet or

vibrating timer for 10—20 minutes. When the alarm signals the

intentional centering time is complete the quiet alarm allows the person

time to re-engage slowly and take in the wisdom from the time apart.

Coloring pages are included this week for some of your centering prayer

time— crayons, colored pencils and other art supplies can be obtained

& borrowed through your pastor if you wish. The original artwork for

coloring was created by Pastor Lori Ann Strang and was designed

specifically for this Lenten journal.


Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and

supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known

to God. And the PEACE of God which surpasses all

understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in

Christ Jesus. -PHILIPPIANS 4: 6-7

For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not

hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what

we do not see, we wait for it with PATIENCE.

-ROMANS 8:24-25


practice are PEACE & PATIENCE.

Centering prayer is a practice that cultivates space for

personal peace and patience in our daily lives to grow.

*Suggested mantras that can be used as entry into mindfulness

& centering prayer time.

* Come, Holy Spirit

* Guide my heart

* Be still

* Light of hope

* Hear me, Lord

NOTE: Page 4 has a diagram of important body centers (chakras) and center-

ing ideas that may be helpful in your prayer practice this week.


Nested Meditation is a form of poetry—but unlike a typical

poem, these stanzas are layered. Often, the stanzas hint

and lead thoughts one direction and are changed to the

opposite direction by the second stanza. Revealing, the

creator of this technique would say, the “often paradoxical

nature of truth.” (Anderson, Divinity in Disguise p13)

The best way to understand the technique of nested

meditation is to read a few of them and then try your hand at

it. Notice the word play from one stanza to the next. See

how the punctuation can change from one stanza to the

next. See how all stanzas stand on their own and yet

together.

Kevin Anderson, Ph.D. is the creator of this technique. Dr.

Anderson is a local author, psychologist and public speaker

from the Toledo Area.

I spoke with Dr. Anderson and asked if I could include some

of his work in this journal. He was delighted to share his

original meditation technique with you and expressed

excitement for all of you to give nested meditation a try in

your Lenten journal as a prayer practice.

I have included a few examples of Kevin’s nested

meditations on the following page. He is currently finishing

a whole year of nested meditations (writing one per day) that

will be included in a new book to be published soon under

the title: Now Is Where God Lives.

You can learn more about Dr. Anderson and his writings and

passions at his website: http://www.thewingedlife.com/


In Ceasarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of

the Italian Cohort, as it was called. He was a devout man who

feared God with all his household; he gave alms

GENEROUSLY to the people and prayed constantly to God.

-ACTS 10: 1-2

The fruit of the Spirit paired with this week’s prayer

practice is GENEROSITY.

Guided meditation is a wealth of imagery and requires

imagination, inspires creativity and leads us toward

knowing God as a creative force in our life.

We focus on generosity as a way of beginning to take in

all the gifts God has already placed in our lives—gifts of

beauty and nature, imagery and the expansion of our

minds. The ability to see beyond our current reality and

envision the meditations and the in-breaking of God’s

kingdom we experience this week.

May we also be generous in our lives—not just with our

money—but with our time, talent, joy, strength, story,

love and grace.

Two excellent resources for a variety of guided

meditations & updated frequently:

https://chopra.com/articles/guided-meditations

http://marc.ucla.edu/mindful-meditations


WEDNESDAY

LENT 2

Set a timer on your phone or other device for 5 minutes.

Light a candle if you can. Dim the lights, enjoy the flame.

Breathe out saying “Come Holy Spirit”

… breathe in “Fill me with peace”

Close your eyes and concentrate on only these words.

When the timer rings take three more cleansing breaths and return to

your activity or write about your experience here:


THURSDAY

LENT 2

Mindfulness

Take out your calendar and pray over it.

Pray for upcoming events, holidays, meetings, deadlines & family

gatherings.

Pray for your days to be productive and your time apart to bring re-

freshment.

Pray for good health and wisdom.

• Look back at what has led you to this day.

• Look forward to what the year still holds and lay the future in

God’s hands.


Guided Meditation is used in clinical settings to relieve

anxiety. Guided Meditation can be used to create a

psychologically relaxed state for encouraging sleep, release

of anxiety, anger, frustration, etc.

The next page and pages following will give a list of links for

audio & video guided imagery. Guided meditation can be as

simple as music that helps the listener to achieve an altered

state of consciousness creating focus, energy and

restoration; or it can be as specific as a guided journey that

leads to releasing pain or angst or providing discernment

and discovery.

There are other types of guided meditation that do not

include audio, video or musical components but still offer

direction and guidance for the one who is entering into a time

of meditation and mindfulness. (See pages 45-46)

The practice of journaling itself can be considered guided

meditation if the writer is given prompts or a form upon

which to meditate and shape one’s thoughts.

Some popular art & party experiences (Uncork the artist, Wine &

Canvas) are guided meditations that yield an artistic outcome.

This week’s practice prompts will present you with a variety

of opportunities to produce some artwork and allow your

heart, soul, body and mind to rest in the company of God.

Coloring pages are included this week for some of your

guided meditation— crayons, colored pencils and other art

supplies can be obtained & borrowed through your pastor if

you wish. The original artwork for coloring was created by

Jari Knowlton Simard and was designed specifically for this

Lenten journal.


TUESDAY

LENT 4

Try the craft of nested meditation.

( Read pages 45 & refer to page 46 for examples)


FRIDAY

LENT 2 Original artwork by Jari Knowlton Simard

Color the image


SATURDAY

LENT 2

Walk around your neighborhood (or drive if walking is too

difficult) and pray for the houses and streets that you pass.

Ask God to dwell in this place.

Pray for neighbors and strangers.

Pray for vacant lots to be filled and homes to be sold

Pray for businesses to be upright and thriving.

Pray that each house is truly a home—free from distress, abuse & difficulty.


MONDAY

LENT 4

Some hymns are often prayerful in their music and

words. Write a few favorite hymn verses here and use

them as prayer.

EXAMPLES:

LORD LET MY HEART BE GOOD SOIL

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT

JESUS REMEMBER ME

TAKE MY LIFE THAT I MAY BE

COME BY HERE

SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD

BREAK NOW THE BREAD OF LIFE


SUNDAY—LENT 4

Write your own version of our Lord’s Prayer.

OUR FATHER WHO

ART IN HEAVEN

HALLOWED BE THY

NAME

THY KINGDOM COME

THY WILL BE DONE

ON EARTH AS IT IS IN

HEAVEN

GIVE US THIS DAY

OUR DAILY BREAD

AND FORGIVE US OUR

TRESPASSES AS WE

FORGIVE THOSE WHO

TRESPASS AGAINST

US

AND LEAD US NOT

INTO TEMPTATION

BUT DELIVER US

FROM EVIL

FOR THINE IS THE

KINGDOM & THE

POWER & THE GLORY

FOREVER—AMEN.


SUNDAY—LENT 3

Color the image

Original artwork by Lori Ann Strang


MONDAY

LENT 3

Turn to page 5 of this journal and trace the path for one or

more of the labyrinths.

If you are retired or free later—go to Dr. Dennler’s or Zoar’s FLC

and walk the labyrinth provided.

Take your time.

Think about your intention before you begin.

Use the space below to prepare for or reflect on your intentions / experience.


SATURDAY

LENT 3

Try a P.R.A.Y.-er today:

P raise—Thank God for being God and sending Jesus with

the Spirit.

R epentance—Tell God about those things of which you feel

guilt, shame or inadequacy. Ask God to forgive you and to

help you forgive yourself that you might be free.

A sk—Pour out your heart to God and ask for what you

desire God to do in your life.

Y ield—Lift up your will in surrender and yield to God’s

wisdom and will—even if it means God leads you another

direction with your desires.


FRIDAY

LENT 3

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sorrow, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be

consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to

be loved as to love. For in giving we receive; in pardoning, we

are pardoned; and in dying we are born to eternal life, AMEN.

At each stanza list places that you know fit the situation :

PLACES OF HATRED, INJURY, DESPAIR,

DARKNESS AND SORROW — name them.


TUESDAY

LENT 3

Turn to page 4 of this journal and look at the chakras.

Try to answer with one word next to each center of energy:

ROOT Where am I lacking balance?

SACRAL An unfulfilled desire or incomplete joy?

SOLAR PLEXUS In what do I experience a lack of power?

HEART How or over what do I need to experience love / compassion?

THROAT Where do I need to speak up / out or find my voice?

THIRD EYE What instinct or feeling have I failed to trust that returns to

me time and time again?

CROWN Is there a mis-understanding anywhere in my life?


There are several common model prayers of which many will

be familiar. The most well known and biblically grounded

being our Lord’s Prayer.

The practice this week will center around a number of

familiar model prayers including the Lord’s Prayer. You are

encouraged in your journaling to not only follow the prompts

but write the model prayer over in your own words.

Model prayers help us focus on specific areas where we can

grow in our understanding of how prayer can truly have an

impact on our daily lives.

Although many times prayer does not change the

circumstances or situations in which we find ourselves;

Prayer does change US in those circumstances and

situations … giving us needed strength, grace, patience,

hope, trust, courage, peace and direction.

Some other common model prayers:

Serenity Prayer

Prayer of St. Francis

A.C.T.S. prayer (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication)

The 5 finger prayer

P.R.A.Y. –er (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield)

Irish blessing

Bedtime prayer

Meal time grace

T.R.I.P. prayer (Thanks, Regret, Intercession, Purpose)


THURSDAY

LENT 3

Try an A.C.T.S. prayer today:

A doration—Tell God what you appreciate about your

relationship with Jesus and the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

C onfession—Tell God about those things of which you feel

guilt, shame or inadequacy. Ask God to forgive you and to

help you forgive yourself that you might be free.

T hanksgiving—Thank God for something special that

happened today or for the extraordinary blessing of life itself.

S upplication—Lift up those who you know are in need

because of illness, difficulty, struggle, lack of stability or

connection.


WEDNESDAY

LENT 3

Make a list below of what is included

in your prayer:

Image used by permission from freecoloringpages.com


As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with

compassion, KINDNESS, humility, meekness and patience. Bear

with one another and , if anyone has a complaint against the

other, forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven you. -COLOSSIANS 3: 12-13

Rejoice in the Lord, always, again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your

GENTLENESS be known to everyone. The Lord is near. -PHILIPPIANS 4: 4-5


practice are KINDNESS & GENTLENESS.

Both of these fruits are ways we are directed to behave

with others—even those who oppose us or we consider

our enemies. Kindness and gentleness are traits that

show up in model prayers in the ways we love our

neighbors and our kindness and gentleness may well

determine who we lift up in supplication.

Our kindness and gentleness often determine how we

forgive each other or how we restore people to

community. When we are “clothed” in compassion,

kindness and gentleness we often regard others first and

exercise humility as well.

permission granted from dr. kevin anderson, jari knowlton...

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