Lent: A Yearly Reminder of the Daily Call to Come Home is a series of seven writings that incorporate guided imagery, prayer, and questions to use in worship or in your small group.

Imagine

As we continue on the path of Life toward home, the glory of who we've been made to be may grow more apparent to those around us. Just as people were full of hope and praise to God when they glimpsed the glory of who Jesus truly was, people are drawn to and often respond with blessing when they get a glimpse of who God has made someone to be.

Close your eyes and imagine people gathered around you at this place on your journey with and toward God. Notice the surroundings and who is present (you may recognize some, others you may not). As they get a glimpse of who God has made you to be, what do their faces and voices say? Allow yourself to receive their blessing.

Now see Jesus among those who are present. What does His face convey to you? Allow yourself to receive His blessing. How do you respond? What does your face say or what might you want to communicate to Jesus?

Allow the scene to unfold for a few moments and then close with this prayer.

Pray

God, when You came to earth, there were those who got glimpses of Your glory, the truth of You. We pause now to join in that glimpse and allow praise of You to rise up in our hearts.

(20 seconds or ~ of silence)

We ask that You receive our praise and blessing for You know it to be true even though we can be so fickle. And for this reason our hearts instinctively cry out what the crowd cried to You, Jesus, Hosanna—save us, help us! For in this moment we recognize that You are our Savior, our Mighty Helper, and we are in need of You especially when You know how easily we lose heart, how in the next moment we may change our minds. So Hosanna. Hosanna.
Amen.

Reflect

• Ponder the people covering the street with their own garments for Jesus to ride over (signifying honor and victory) and Jesus riding on a humble donkey (rather than a war horse). See Matthew 21 for an overview of the scene. What is stirred in you? What thoughts come as you compare and contrast? What is Jesus revealing about the heart of God in this scene?
• Imagine yourself in the crowd. Hear yourself shout, “Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” Repeat it as many times as you desire. Allow it to become your prayer for this day (silent, spoken or even shouted!). You might reflect later on as to your experience of this prayer of praise.
• How might you allow yourself to receive blessing from others and yet continue on your way “home” with Jesus? What is the danger in refusing the blessings of others? What is the danger in staying with the crowd and their blessing for too long?

The complete series and audio are available here.