Saturday – First Aspect of Lent – Prayer
God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
The first way we prepare our hearts during Lent is by focused prayer. Paul calls us to a life of praying without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17) so Lent isn’t the only time we pray. Lent is a time to come before the God of Creation focusing on what He has done for us through His Son’s death on the Cross. This is not necessarily a time of praying and fasting for a burden we carry on earth (for example, the salvation of family members, the healing of a loved one). It is one of focusing on what Jesus did for us on the cross. For our purposes you may choose any topic you wish to pray for during this 40-day journey.
Activity: Focus on the prayer of Lent. Take time as a family to thank God for who He is, for sending His Son to the earth, and for loving us so unconditionally. Confess (either silently or aloud) those things that keep us from relationship with Him. This is not a time to bring up old sins that you’ve already asked forgiveness for… this is a time to have true repentance for on-going sins or to acknowledge that we are all sinners and in need of salvation through the blood of Christ.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Optional activity: You may also choose to pray for something specific as a family for the next 36 days, for example, the poor around the world, the persecuted church, those exploited by human trafficking, orphans, and so on…. the topics are endless! Write the prayer requests in a journal that you can update each week.
