Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Luke 4 : 1 - 2

Readings this week Deuteronomy 26 : 1 - 11; Romans 10 : 8b - 13; Luke 4 : 1 - 13

Thought for this week

We might think of the desert as being a silent, empty place. Our Gospel reading relates Jesus’ time in the desert. Yet apparently deserts are full of sounds, some produced by the movement of the sand, others carried many miles on the wind. We might think of the desert as an empty place. yet even deserts are full of life, of plants, animals and birds.

As we begin the journey of Lent we often think of a time of sparseness, of self – denial, even of solitude. Yet Lent offers us a time of fullness. Of rediscovering the Lord’s love. Of meeting with Jesus in a new way. Of listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He ministers to us. As we journey in Lent can we use this opportunity to pause, reflect, spend focussed time in the Lord’s presence, and read His word?

Jesus resists the devil by drawing on the Word. “One does not live by bread alone”. “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him. “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”. Lent is a time to read and listen. Let the Lord speak to us. Jesus says, ‘It is Written’. It has been written for us, so we can know the Truth of the Lord’s love for this world amidst the lies and confusion, So we can listen to Jesus the Living Word, and source of love and life.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Heavenly Father, your Son battled with the powers of darkness, and grew closer to you in the desert: help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer that we may witness to your saving love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People to pray for

For more people to join in our worship

For ourselves as we begin Lent