Pray. Act. Pray Again. Lenten Edition
Week 2: The Scourging at the Pillar
Download the full Study Notes: https://www.peterboroughumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Pray-Act-Lenten-Study-2021-Study-Notes.pdf
The scourging at the pillar is a mournful event that serves as a reminder of the horrors Jesus suffered for love of you. Jesus is taken before the High Priest, accused, beaten, and insulted. Then He is taken by the Jewish leaders to Pilate, because only he can impose the death penalty. Even though Pilate can “find no cause in Him”, yet to appease the Jews, he orders Jesus to be scourged. Jesus as the Lamb of God offers His suffering for the sins of all humanity. The prophesy of Isaiah is fulfilled: “He was wounded for our iniquities; He was bruised for our sins.”
Scourging: Scourging used a whip with 7 leather strips. To make the suffering greater and the damage more serious, two small lead balls were sharpened and tied to the ends of each leather strip so that they would cut deeply into the flesh. There was a team of 6 executioners. One executioner stood on either side of Him so that Jesus; entire body, front and back from His neck to His feet, was covered with lashes. The two executioners alternately swung their whips with the force of their entire bodies. When they tired, a second and then a third team took control of this barbarous torture. The Jews were required to limit the scourging to 40 lashes, and in order to be strictly correct they limited the scourging to 39 lashes. But the Roman soldiers were in control of Jesus and they had no interest in being strictly correct. Scourging had the potential to kill the victim, because of the violence that was inflicted. The art of the torture was to bring someone close to the point of death, without having Him expire.
Through the prayers this week, consider how much God loves us—and what our response to this love might be.
• Day 5, Monday: We are Reconciled.
• Day 6, Tuesday: We are Forgiven.
• Day 7, Wednesday: We are Joyful.
• Day 8, Thursday: We Praise Our Great God.
• Day 9, Friday: We Step Out in Boldness.
• Day 10, Saturday: We Commit to Follow God’s Plan.
• 2nd Sunday in Lent
Focus Verse: Day 10 – Follow God’s Plan (Adapted from Proverbs 16: 1-4,7, 9) My Lord, I acknowledge that so many of the plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue comes from You. All my ways seem clean in my own sight, but You weigh my motives. I hereby commit my work to You Lord and trust that my plans will be established according to Your will. You have made everything for its own purpose…When my ways are pleasing to You Lord, You will make even my enemies at peace with me…as I plan my day, I know that You will direct my steps. In the holy name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
In keeping with the introspective focus of Lent, this week we look to Proverbs to reflect upon our own inner motives and hidden agendas that contrast so sharply with the purity and innocence of Jesus as He was accused, beaten and insulted for our sake.
Study Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you thought your motives were pure, only to realize that you, in fact, had a hidden agenda. What would it mean in your life to truly entrust all of your plans to God?
2. What do the prayers for this week tell you about the nature of man? What do they tell you about the nature of God?
3. What is your personal response to being reconciled and forgiven? How could you personally step out in boldness to follow God’s path?
Day 5 Focus: To be Reconciled by working through God’s Power and not my own.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) Yes, before praying we pause to notice how we are breathing. In a world that has a very short attention span, pausing sometimes needs to be relearned. So as we pause for 5 minutes, can we ask God to place on our hearts any area of reconciliation that we need to address, and then can we ask God how to approach this?
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1, then after Reading this daily scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Colossians 1:9-29. For this reason I pray all the time for both of us to ask that we may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that we may walk together in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please God in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing our knowledge of God; strengthened with all power according to God’s glorious might to attain steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Although we were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, Christ has now reconciled us through Christ’s death in order to present us before God as holy, blameless, without reproach, and complete in Christ. For this purpose we labor, striving according to God’s power, which works in a mighty way within us. Amen.
Today when I read, “For this purpose we labor, striving according to God’s power, which works in a mighty way within us,” I need to be reminded constantly that God does work in us, and while “free will” allows me to venture out on my own, I can freely choose to stay close to God.
Level 3: (15 minutes) In the weekly study guide, (which is located in our book, if you do not have the book, and would like a study guide let me know) the weekly focus is on how Jesus was beaten before he was crucified. This is an extremely difficult focus for me. I think causing pain to another person is one of the most horrific acts we do as human beings. One of the themes of atonement is that Jesus wanted to take the pain that we inflict on others into his own self rather than blame or shame. Jesus wants us to be reconciled with God AND WITH EACH OTHER. After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down what it means to know God loves us that much.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) I think it is worth repeating that a Beloved Community will affirm that God invites us to practice reconciliation. God showed us through the life of Jesus that weapons of death and violent words are not God’s way. Where in your life or in this world do you see anyone absorbing pain in order to allow someone else to be reconciled and free of shame? Is this a quality you value? Why or why not?
I am still asking for a little description about you, and/or reflections on what you are learning to share with the group. I will post some of the comments later today. Still exploring the possibility of a conference call for those who would like to participate. Ideas and suggestions and critiques are welcomed. God bless you on this Holy Lenten Journey.
Day 6 Focus: To Know I am Forgiven Allows Me to Forgive
Level 1: (5 Minutes) By now, if you have been stopping to notice your breathing each morning, you may be noticing it at other times during the day. Good deep breathing can help us physically, spiritually and mentally. Forgiveness is one of the more difficult things for us to do. However, the act of forgiving ourselves can be the most difficult. There is much literature on this topic—but the most convincing argument to me about needing to forgive ourselves is that we will only forgive others when we learn to forgive ourselves. There are no perfect people. Sit quietly and know you are forgiven. Breathe in God’s grace; let that grace purify your being.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Psalm 25. To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust. Make me know Your ways, O Lord. For You I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your loving kindness, for they are everlasting. Please do not remember the sins of my youth or my present transgressions. According to Your loving kindness, instead remember me as Your child. Give me the compassion to forgive others as You have forgiven me. For Your goodness sake, Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down how you feel about the act of forgiving.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) At seventy the statement, “Please do not remember the sins of my youth or my present transgressions,” makes me smile. However the follow up statement, “instead remember me as Your child,” surprises me. Children are usually assumed to be innocent. I remember being taught that there was an age of reason—and that before that age we were unable to know right and wrong. The metaphor of Adam and Eve in the garden has always intrigued me. I read it differently from most interpretations. For me—when God tells Adam and Eve not to “eat from the Tree of Good and Evil,” I have always wondered if what God means is that we are not capable of understanding evil and therefore we will always be captured by it and unable to grasp it or control it but still be attracted to it. So asking to be remembered as a child is like asking for our innocence back. When I think of my own mistakes—of words I wish I had not said, or things I wish I had not done—I see that the process of maturing will always involve mistakes and risks—but all of this is necessary for growth. So accepting that I will try and fail as many times as I will try and succeed is to be fully human. The need to forgive is NOT something we do once. The need to forgive is more like breathing; we will always need to do this and we probably will need to practice deep forgiveness often until it is a reflex response.
Day 7 Focus: To Know I am Reconciled and Forgiven, is to be Joyful
Level 1: (5 Minutes) What brings you joy? As you sit down today, breathing deeply and letting the fact that God wants us to know reconciliation (being in a right relationship with God and others) and forgiveness—take the time to remember what brings you joy. Joy is a kind of “delight” that brings a sense of wellbeing. Who in you life do you call a joyful friend?
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Colossians 3:12-17. And so, as one who has been chosen by You Lord, help me to be holy and beloved. I ask for a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Help me to bear and forgive others, just as You have forgiven me, Lord. And beyond all these things, I ask to be clothed in love, the perfect bond of unity. I ask for Your peace to rule in my heart, for this is the reason I was called to be part of the church. May I be thankful in all things. Let Your word richly dwell within me with all wisdom, so that I may be filled with psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and singing with thankfulness in my heart. Whatever I do, let it all be in Your name, Lord Jesus, I will give thanks through You to God the Father. Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down all the joy-filled people you know.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) When I read this request: “I ask for a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” I remember why I love the season of Lent and why I look forward to this time every year. For me the Lenten season makes me take a yearly inventory. I ask myself—how much joy have I tried to spread? When have I shown, “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience?” I think it is wise to ask myself these positive questions first. It helps me to remember my context at the time. Then I can examine “when have I been cold, cruel, arrogant, harsh and/or impatient.” It is important for us to see that we have a full range of emotions. Then we can readjust how we respond rather than be held hostage to old reactions that produce behaviors that do not bring joy to anyone.
Day 8 Focus: God’s gift of Love is exceedingly great.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) As you sit quietly today, let images of people you love come to mind. Think about the ways in which you let them know you love them, and the ways in which they love you. Contemplate how much God loves you and your loved one. What does it mean to know you are loved completely by God and by others?
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Psalm 145. I extol You, my God and King. I bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I bless You and praise Your name forever and ever. Great are You, Lord, and highly to be praised. Your greatness is unsearchable…and I tell of Your greatness. You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in loving kindness. You are good to all, and Your mercies are over all Your works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, Oh Lord…You sustain all who fall and raise up all who are bowed down. All eyes look to You…You are righteous in all Your ways and kind in all Your deeds. You are near to those who call upon You in truth. You fulfill the desire of those who revere You; You hear my cry and will save me. I know You keep me among those who love You…my mouth will speak praise to You to bless Your holy name forever and ever. Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down what you feel God is calling you to do.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) My sister told me a wonderful story about her granddaughter. It seems that the family was growing quickly and as the grandchildren increased the granddaughter was concerned that her Grandmother was going to get worn out loving them all. The beauty in the story to me was not that the granddaughter was worried about her portion of love—it is rather that the granddaughter was worried her Grandmother might be burdened by having so many grandchildren to love. The wonderful thing about love is that it is not a burden. We each have an unlimited capacity to love. However, to appreciate this we will need to know that we are “lovable.” Rev. Peter Gomes said he always preached the same sermon—his theme was “Jesus Loves Me!” So will we celebrate first that God loves us, and second that we can choose to love if we accept God’s unlimited grace? Do we understand that real love is not a burden? Will we choose to love?
Day 9 Focus: God’s Promises and God’s Light help us to be bold.
Level 1: (5 Minutes) As you pause to breathe deeply today consider what you are learning during this Lenten Season. When we pray and take the time to rest for even five minutes to contemplate, our actions can be more focused and thoughtful and eventually even bolder. Thinking things through promotes mature responses. Sharing ideas in a Beloved and Safe Community helps us to clarify and strengthen our resolve. When two or more are gathered to discern God’s direction, we can experience miracles.
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Psalm 18:28-50. I praise You, Lord, because You light my lamp and illuminate my darkness. Your way is blameless and Your word is tried. When I take refuge in You, You are my shield. You gird me in strength, and keep me from sin. You make my feet like hind’s feet and set me on high places. You enlarge my steps under me so my feet don’t slip. You train my hands for battle. You give me the shield of Your salvation. Your right hand upholds me. Your tenderness makes me great. You gird me for battle and deliver me from contentious people. You are my rock and my salvation! I sing praises to Your name for Your deliverance and Your loving kindness forever. Amen.
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write when you have felt the Holy Spirit’s inspiration to be bold.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes) This morning as I was walking in the bright sunlight, I was astonished at the beauty of God’s masterpieces—the freshly fallen snow, the clear, brisk winter air, and the magnificent Mount Monadnock were all reminders of God’s creative gifts to us. I truly believe with God’s help, we can be bold and make a difference. While today’s prayer is very specific about how we obtain strength when we have faith in God, the words, “Your tenderness makes me great,” stood out to me. The virtue of tenderness is often overlooked. However, when we stand our ground and acknowledge that we are not alone—that God is with us in all of our trials—we can embrace tenderness because succeeding does not all depend upon us alone. A huge part of achieving a worthwhile goal comes from being able to persevere in the face of opposition. Understanding that God is always with me gives me strength to be both bold AND tender. How about you? What inspires you to be both bold and tender? Have you seen boldness and tenderness work together to produce miracles?
Day 10 Focus: Commit to following God, because God is always with us.
Level 1: (5 Minutes)?
Level 2: (10 minutes) Do Level 1. After Reading the scripture adaptation, take 5 minutes to discern what word or phrase catches your interest:
Adapted from Proverbs 16:1-4, 7, 9. My Lord, I acknowledge that so many of the plans of my heart belong to me, but the answers should come from You. All my ways seem clean in my own sight, but You weigh my motives. I hereby commit my work to You, Lord, and trust that my plans will be established according to Your will. You make everything for its own purpose…When my ways are pleasing to You Lord, You will make even my enemies at peace with me…as I plan my day, I know that You will direct my steps. In the holy name of Jesus I pray, Amen
Level 3: (15 minutes) After pausing to breathe and reading the Scripture prayer, take 5 minutes to write down what you believe God wants you to do.
Level 4: (30-60 minutes)
Second Week Saturday Summary
Through God’s grace we are Reconciled or made right with God and each other.
Being Reconciled allows us to know we are Forgiven.
Reconciled and Forgiven we are Joyful.
Reconciled, Forgiven and Joyful, we know the greatness of God’s Love.
Reconciled, Forgiven, Joyful and Loved, we are empowered to be Bold.
Reconciled, Forgiven, Joyful, Loved and Bold, we Commit to forming a Beloved Community by the power of God who is able to do through us exceedingly and abundantly more that we can think or imagine.
