Entering the time of prayer:

I begin by seeking a place of peace – externally, I look for a corner that is quieter, that offers some shelter from the hustle and bustle of my usual day; internally, I take a deep breath and, bit by bit, breath by breath, I let go of all the busyness in my mind. Whatever is going on can wait, this is a time for God. I close my eyes; I breathe again and open myself to that place of stillness within me. I seek God’s presence that is always there. I feel God’s loving gaze on me. I let it fill me as I open my heart and my mind to this time of prayer.

First thoughts:

Before we know it, we feel ourselves stumbling, we feel ourselves begin to fall. But God is there to catch us, to pick us up. We feel it through the workings of grace, those moments we can’t explain where God touches our heart; and we can experience it too through the community around us. We walk this path together.

Today’s Bible Text: Matthew 20: 26-28

Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

I read the scripture passage slowly, I repeat it again and let the words fill my heart. What is the word or image that touches me most? How does it make me feel? I speak to God about this feeling.

Some questions for reflection:

Jesus’ disciples were competing to see who was the most important. But Jesus tells us that we get respect through service – we are here not for ourselves but for each other.

• Who are the people I admire? What is it about their way of life that attracts me?
• If I am in some way respected or recognised, to what do I owe it? What do people see in me? I talk to Jesus about how I can better serve those around me.

Bringing our time of prayer to an end:

I take a moment and look at the Lenten path ahead of me and at Jesus there, in front, as my guide. I think of all those many people who are also on the road with me today and I ask God to bless us all. I show my love and gratitude with a small gesture, perhaps by making a sign of the cross, bowing my head, or by saying an Our Father or Glory Be.

Noticing the fruits of the prayer:

After my prayer I look back for a moment. I ask myself, what was it like? What touched me the most? What was challenging or difficult? What gave me feelings of warmth or peace of strength? I write down some keywords to record and remember – so that the things that are most important are not lost. I hold on to one word in particular and hold it close to my heart as I make my way through the rest of this day with you, Lord.