Lenten Series | Third Sunday

Each of us connect with God in unique and beautiful ways. Over the past couple weeks of Lent, we’ve meditated on God’s Word and emptied our minds and hearts as an offering to Him. Typically, we read or listen to Scripture to open ourselves to God’s love and grace. This week, however, we invite you to experience the power, love and majesty of God through the beauty of His creation.

We encourage you to spend some time in nature this week, whatever that may look like for you. On a run, sitting on your porch, walking under the stars, camping—however you prefer to experience nature. If you’re unable to get outside this week, look out your window or watch some videos of a particular place you enjoy being outdoors: the beach, the mountains, the forest, etc. While experiencing or interacting with nature, do your best to remove any exterior distractions and allow yourself to just be. Employ your senses in ways that may not be how you normally would experience the world:

• Sight: Without straining your eyes, look around and notice what you see. What is at a distance? What do you see very close up? What details do you notice?

• Hearing: Close your eyes and listen. What do you hear nearby? What sounds are far away? How do the noises you hear relate to your surroundings?

• Smell: With your eyes still closed, breathe in deeply. How would you describe the smell? What feelings or memories does the smell evoke?

• Touch: What might it feel like to experience “touch” without using your hands or fingers? Consider touching the grass with your toes, or a leaf with your elbows, forearms or face. How does it feel the same as or different from the ways you experience touching the same thing with your hands or fingers?

Now, try to envision yourself in an altogether different place. In Niger, dust hangs heavy over the bustling villages during the 100+ degree days. Mongolia experiences frigid winters, with sub-zero temperatures and an icy chill descending upon the nomadic countryside. How would your senses respond in these contrasting places? How does this exercise help inform your prayers for the frontier?

Use this exercise as an opportunity to rest in God’s goodness and the majesty of His creation. Ask God to give you a greater understanding of the least-reached places of the world.

As you use your senses to experience the world in a new way this week, we’d love to hear what God reveals to you! Contact our team with any thoughts or questions you may have.