LENT GREETINGS
Pastor Austin J. Young
Dear Friend of God,
Welcome to Rise & Rest, daily devotions during the season of Lent. Lent is a 40-day season in the Christian Calendar for believers to be called to repent, seek, sacrifice, expect, remember, and practice. Over the next 40 days, we will journey together as we draw nearer to God. I invite you to join the journey through daily devotions, praying together, corporate worship, and fasting. We will take dedicated time each day to rise together with Christ and rest together with Christ.
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As Psalm 42:1 reminds us, that our soul thirsts for God. Life and various circumstances have left us parched. Let’s quench this thirst within our soul by asking the bread of heaven to feed us until we want no more.
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In this devotional journal you are invited to seek, pray, fast and listen every day.
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Seek: Download or grab a copy of the Rise & Rest Devotional Journal. Each day, read a different devotion that is aimed to help us become better Christians. All devotions are accompanied with space to journal and reflect on how the Spirit is speaking to us. In addition, to the written devotionals, follow along with our virtual devotions at 8AM & 8PM EST each day. Don’t be surprised if you hear these devotions become future sermons.
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Pray: After each devotion, take time to communicate with God in prayer. Each pray is meant to help you get started in your private prayer time. Don’t forget to tell God everything, be open, honest, and transparent so that God can transform us. Also join us every Friday at 6AM for dedicated prayer time together.
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Fast: In our drawing close to God, let's fast together. Assess what is hindering our communication with God and let's set it aside. The goal is show God we are serious about our relationship with Him and to show ourselves that we need him more than anything.
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Listen: As we engage in this journey, let's listen to the voice of God. I invite you to take time to center yourself with our specially curated song playlist.
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As we seek, pray, fast, and listen, I truly believe that the Lord will draw us nearer. I look forward to the testimonies that will come as we Rise & Rest with Christ!
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SEEK
LET'S SEEK GOD TOGETHER IN ENGAGING HIS HOLY WORD
Written & Virtual Devotions
FAST
LET'S MAKE ROOM FOR GOD TOGETHER
Fasting Options
Fasting from Food
Consult your doctors before adjusting your diet.
Option 1: 12 hours of juice, water, and broth from 6am to 6pm daily. At the end of the fast consider eating fish or chicken, no sweets, bread, or fried food. (This should be a meager meal).
Option 2: The Daniel Fast: No meat, no sweets, no bread, and no sugar drinks throughout the entire day. During this fast you may take in fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.
Fasting from Social Media/Entertainment
Refocus our attention
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Social media sign off; replace time with daily centering prayer.
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Unplug from unnecessary conversations (phone, text, gossip); incorporate daily centering prayer.
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Limit Entertainment (TV, Movies, Sports) and replace time with an hour in the Word of God and in Prayer
Target Fasting
Where is the distraction?
Pray and seek God on what has been hindering your relationship with God. What has gotten in the way of your communication, fellowship, or commitment to God. Possibly it is a habit, person, lifestyle, location, etc. Ask God to reveal to you the area in your life that needs adjustment. Target this area and choose to fast from it. Replace your time in prayer, studying God’s Word, or creating healthier habits
LISTEN
CENTER YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS WITH THIS CURATED LENT FOCUSED PLAYLIST
Fast Forward Playlist
A YouTube version of the playlist is also available.
PRAY
LET'S COMMUNCIATE WITH GOD TOGETHER
Join in private and corporate prayer
