Lord, help me to hear and understand what you are inviting me to participate in. Grant me an alertness to fulfill your will with my whole heart, soul, and mind.

Option 1:
Preparatory Prayer:

  • Opening Prayer: Lord, please give me grace so that all my intentions and actions are focused solely on honoring and serving you.
  • Readying the Heart: Imagine the synagogues, towns, and villages where Jesus preached.
  • Request: Lord, help me to hear and understand what you are inviting me to participate in. Grant me an alertness to fulfill your will with my whole heart, soul, and mind.

Scripture: Luke 4:14-44.

Option 2:
Reflection: “Contemplation of a Heroic Leader”

Option 3:
Reflection: Think of a person or two that you admire because they wholeheartedly live out the ways of Jesus. Write down as many things you can think of about this person(s). What attributes do you appreciate most? What kind of meaningful ways do they serve others? After you spend time thinking about this person(s), consider how those feelings of admiration can be transferred to Jesus. Consider that if you feel this way about an ordinary human being, how much more so of Jesus who is even greater.

Option 4:
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 3:1-6
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you desire personal transformation (perhaps something that came up during your reflections during the First Week). How might admiration for Jesus stir your heart toward change?
Song: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord”

Option 5:
Reflection: Watch and reflect on the documentary Mary Mcleod Bethune – African Americans Who Left Their Stamp on History. Bethune, a woman of faith, overcame significant hardships to help bring education to African American girls, as well as advance other social causes. How does Bethune remind you of Jesus? How might her life inspire you to pursue the work God has for you?

Option 6:
Reading: “Reading Scripture with the Senses”
Scripture: Luke 1:26-56
Reflection: Contemplate Mary’s yes to God’s invitation in Luke’s Gospel. Enter the story with your senses.

Reviewing the Week:
Look back on the past week. What stands out to you the most as you have prayed and reflected on anticipating the Kingdom and Christ’s invitation to you? Talk with God about your reflection.