A LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

PhiliPPians

© 2016 City of Light Anglican Church

The cover artwork is a Russian Orthodox icon by an anonymous artist. It shows Jesus holding a Bible, which is a common traditional depiction of Jesus known as “Jesus the Teacher.”

A Letter from Fr. Trevor ... 3Our Lenten Commitment ... 4

Gathering Groups ... 5Prayer ... 6

Study Questions ... 7Philippians Reading Plan ... 7

Table of ConTenTs________________________

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Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

—The Book of Common Prayer

On the first Sunday of Lent, we pray the prayer below reminding ourselves that we are weak but that Jesus is mighty to save. When we could not save ourselves, he walked the

road of suffering to the cross to free us from sin by his death and resurrection. In Lent, we learn again that Jesus is everything we need.

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he spent 40 days in the wilder-ness being tempted in every way as we are. But unlike us, he learned perfect obedience; he learned that he needed to rely on his connec-tion with his father for strength. “People do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Mat-thew 4:4).

As we begin this 40 day season of Lent at City of Light, let us fol-low Jesus’ example and devote ourselves to every Word that pro-ceeds from the Father’s mouth. Let us seek the Lord together in his Word and through prayer so that we may feast on the presence of Jesus our Savior.

In Christ,

Fr. Trevor

Dear CiTy of lighT________________________

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our lenTen CommiTmenT________________________

How is the Lord inviting you to feed on every word that proceeds from the father? Use the space below to write out what you hear the Lord saying and what your Lenten

practice will be.

Here are some examples of commitments you could make:

—Pray: the Lord’s prayer every day. —Read: the entire book of Philippians (10 minutes) 1x a week, 3x a week—Study: 5x a week; 3x a week; 1x alone and 1x with a group. —Gather: with a friend, spouse, family, or other group to read and pray once a week—Memorize: 1 chapter a week; 1 verse a week; 1 section. —Write: write the entire book by hand; write responses to the readings in a journal.

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gaThering grouPs________________________

Join one of our five groups meeting five times throughout Lent to read, study, and pray with others. Feel free to email the leader or just drop in.

Men and Women’s GroupSunday, 1:30pm, Two Brothers Roundhouse, AuroraLed by Rachel Wassink & Brandon Burdetterachel@cityoflightanglican.org & brandon@cityoflightanglican.org

Women’s Group (Kids Welcome)Monday, 9:30am Solgos’ Home (1304 W Galena, Aurora)Led by Erika Solgosesolgos@gmail.com

Women’s GroupTuesday, 7:00pm, the Parish House (716 Lafayette, Aurora)Led by Bonnie McMakenbonnie@cityoflightanglican.org

Men’s GroupWednesday, 6:15am, Two Brothers Roundhouse, AuroraLed by Sam Baersamuelbaer2002@gmail.com

All Ages GroupFriday, 7:30pm, Peterson’s Home (403 Elm St., Batavia)Led by Mark and Amy Petersonmarkamypeterson@gmail.com

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Prayer & sTuDy________________________

Opening PsalmFrom Psalm 51. In a group, this can be read together in unison.

Open my lips, O Lord, * and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.Create in me a clean heart, O God, * and renew a right spirit within me.Cast me not away from your presence * and take not your holy Spirit from me.Give me the joy of your saving help again * and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Bible Reading and StudyA reading from the reading plan. A period of study and reflection may follow.

PrayerPrayers may be offered for yourself and others. You may conclude with the Lord’s Prayer.

The CollectThis or another collect may be prayed together in unison or by the leader.

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen.

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bible sTuDy QuesTions________________________

What does it say?What did you like about this passage? What was difficult? What did you learn about God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit? About people?

How do we obey? Is there a sin to avoid? Promise to claim? Example to follow? Command to obey?

Who needs to hear this today?Who is someone far from God that you can share this with this today or this week? How?

How does this lead me to pray?Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you strength to do what he is asking you to do.

PhiliPPians reaDing Plan________________________

Below Philipppians is divided into 10 readings. Use these sections or reading the entire book at one sitting (which takes about 10 minutes) as part of your Lenten prayer and Bible study commitment.

Week 1: Philippians 1:1-11; Philippians 1:12-18Week 2: Philippians 1:19-30; Philippians 2:1-11Week 3: Philippians 2:12-18; Philippians 2:19-30 Week 4: Philippians 3:1-11; Philippians 3:12-4:1 Week 5: Philippians 4:2-9; Philippians 4:10-21

cityoflightanglican.org

JOURNEY TO HOLY WEEKJoin us for the season of Lent as we prepare for the death of Jesus during Holy Week and the Resurrection of Jesus at Easter. We will be studying

the book of Philippians together on Sundays, during the week personally or in our families, and in groups meeting throughout the week. Let us

journey together with Jesus through his Word and prayer.

2/10 Ash Wednesday 2/14 Lent 1 2/21 Lent 2

2/28 Lent 3 3/6 Lent 4 3/13 Lent 5

3/20 Palm Sunday 3/25 Good Friday 3/27 Easter Sunday