Journaling questions: 

How are you living such that God might call you ‘my friend, insert your name here?  And how does that feel to think that, to say that?

What do you think God’s perspective might be on the twists and turns of your life so far?

What difference does it make to echo God’s words and say, ‘We are your people, and you are our God’?  Who are the companions with whom you can say this, with whom you can travel the journey?  

Prayer action
The people of the covenant were to be discreetly marked to show that they belonged to God’s people.  We might not be keen on following the way of the ancient world in doing this.  But can I challenge you to find a physical way of reminding yourself of your place within those words: ‘I am your God and you are my people’.  The simple habitual wearing of a cross or a ring might do that, but it doesn’t need to be visible to others, it doesn’t even need to be something you wear.  This is between you and God. What will you choose?   

Prayer

Almighty God, El Shaddai, that we stand within the great story of your covenant relationship with your creation, and with us.  Challenge us this Lent where our vision is too narrow, help us where our faith is stretched to trust you and your purposes, remind us of the greatness of your promises.  May we always remember that we are your people and you are our God.

Lent Reflection Series | Ep.4 - Becoming God's People

Journalling questions

I quoted earlier some words from the Anglican communion service including these: ‘though we chose the path of rebellion’.  In what ways do you think we choose the path of rebellion today?  On a small or large scale.  And where are you in this?  Let your response lead you into penitence and into thanksgiving for God’s repeated reaching out to draw us and you back into the covenant of grace.  

Perhaps, like the people of Israel in Exodus, you are in the middle of a transition and life is in flux.  If so, how might your life be re-shaped, as you ask and answer the question: how then shall I live?

The rule of St Augustine states that the first principle is to ‘love God and love others’.  It then it lists some very practical principles for living that flow from this. What might be in your set of practical principles or guidelines that flow from it too?  

Prayer action

You will need a finger labyrinth, or a printed labyrinth pattern for this.  Trace the labyrinth into the centre with your finger and reflect on uncertainty, wandering, lack of direction in life.  Arriving at the heart sit with those anchor words: love God and love others. Let them anchor you.  As you wind back out of the centre of the labyrinth, let your reflections draw you into prayer.

Launde Abbey Reflections