Lent 2023 – Day Twelve – Luke 9 v 18 – 62
Welcome to our Daily reflections for Lent.
We have provided a number of ways of using these reflections.
- You can listen to it in podcast style by clicking on the first audio file. (approx 18 minutes);
- You can listen to the reflection and the prayers with a shortened length for personal prayer (approx 5 minutes);
- You can read your own version of the Bible and then listen to the reflection, play the hymn in the embedded YouTube clip and then listen to the prayer section;
- You can choose to just read through it and ignore the audio files; or
- any combination of the above.
However you choose to use them we hope you will find them helpful and thought provoking.
Full Audio of today’s reflection including Bible reading (approx 18 minutes).
Audio of Reflection and shortened prayers (approx 6 mins).
Read Luke Chapter 9 Verses 18-62. In your own preferred version. The audio uses the NIV.
Link to the Bible Gateway NIV version (opens in a new tab)
“Who do you say I am?”
A hard choice to decide what to write on today as we see Jesus start to talk about his death and also read of the glory of his transfiguration. Perhaps it is possible to speak about and link together both subjects.
This is the first time that the disciples are given an insight into the eventual outcome of Jesus’ ministry. Death and three days later the resurrection from death. Jesus speaks of this twice in our reading today and between these two declarations we see the events of the transfiguration described.
We, as Christians, believe that as we strive to live our lives as Jesus has instructed us to do we become gradually more like him. Our own transformation occurs as we acknowledge that there are things in our life which need to change. Whether that be bad things that we do or our poor attention to Jesus’ call to love one another. Our humanity makes these changes difficult things to do. It is only in the power of the Holy Spirit that we can truly change.
It is the death and resurrection of Jesus which opens this possibility of change to us and it is our acknowledgement that Jesus is the Son of God which sets our feet upon his path. There is a point in our lives where either gradually or all in a rush we come face to face with the shining radiance of Jesus and it is then that like Peter we declare that he is the Lord and we will follow him.
During this time of Lent as we prepare for the events of Holy Week we do remember the suffering and death of Jesus but we are blessed to know that death is not the end. We are an Easter people rejoicing in the transforming power of God in each of our lives.
Hymn: Songs of Fellowship – 311 “Jesus, you are changing me”
Contemplation Words
“This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” (v 35 NIV)
Let us pray together.
Contemplative Prayer
Think of the words in order to understand context and meaning, Feel the meaning of the words with and in your heart,
Pray, using the words, for yourself or others. With only a name and without explaining the reasons or pre-defining any answers.
Listen for God’s voice in the quiet of your prayers.
Pray using your own prayers or one of those which have been prepared below.
Twitter Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank you for the wonder of your death and resurrection, for the pathway it has given us to your side. We pray that each day, in the power of the Holy Spirit, our very hearts will be transformed to become more like yours. Amen
Facebook Prayer
Lord transform me as only you can. Empower me to walk confidently with you sure of your presence with me. Lord may I be a power for change in the world. In my own life and in the lives of those around me. May I truly love my neighbour as myself. Amen
Full Prayer
Lord as we read of your words concerning your death and resurrection we are stunned by that grace and mercy which restores us into relationship with you. As we remember the joy of resurrection let us not forget the pain of your trial, torture and death.
A sacrifice given willingly.
A death caused by humanity.
A death for humanity.
Lord we do not understand the reason you needed to die. Surely not to appease God but rather to save us from what we had and would become. We thank you, that the covenant has been restored and that each and every day we can learn more of you and come to love you more.
At this time of Lent may we reflect on the separation that we have brought about ourselves when we have not made time or space to talk with God and we pray that we will be inspired to make that space both during this Lenten time and beyond. Amen
Copyright Notices
Reflections and Prayers
By Chris Hancock
Hymns
Hymn words where displayed are in the Public Domain. Hymn organ recordings where used are from Small Church Music. Copyright notice: Rev. Clyde McLennan, performer in this collection, has assigned his performer rights in this collection to Hymnary.org. Non-commercial use of these recordings is permitted. Other hymns are from YouTube and covered by YouTube copyright processes.
Bible Readings
Bible readings are from the New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Images
Images where used are from pixabay.com and free for commercial use no attribution required.
Background Music
The background music in today’s recordings is: Music from Pixabay Relaxing Music Vol.12 – Relaxing Time slightly edited by Chris Hancock as permitted by the Pixabay licence.
