The Way of Blessedness: 2021 Lenten Devotional Guide

IPC PRESENTS

THE WAY OF BLESSEDNESS Lenten Devotional Guide

LENT AT IPC

WED

February 17 Join IPC on the first day of Lent 11:30am-12:30pm & 5-6pm: At-home kit pick up 6:30 Service: Sanctuary | Livestream

SUN

PALM SUNDAY

March 28 Celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem Sanctuary | Highland Hall | Livestream

SEDER

March 31 Participate with ritual foods and activities by ordering dinner and/or an at-home kit IPC | Curbside pick up | 5:30-6:30 pm

MAUNDY THURSDAY

April 1 Holy Communion and the Stripping of the Paraments Sanctuary | Livestream | 6:30pm

GOOD FRIDAY

April 2 A Penitential Service Sanctuary | Livestream | Noon

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 3 An outing for IPC Families (pre-school-2nd grade) with breakfast snacks Highland Hall | 9-11 am

EASTER DAY

April 4 Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ Sanctuary | Highland Hall | Livestream

SUN

SAT

FRI

THU

ASH WEDNESDAY

WED

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Events may be subject to change. Visit ipc-usa.org to: find the current list of events, review safety protocols and make reservations to attend in person.

JOIN US

AS WE JOURNEY IN

THE WAY OF BLESSEDNESS

Right now, more than ever, we are longing for a way to experience the blessed life and we hear in Jesus’ parable of the Good Shepherd, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10b).

Lent at IPC | 2021

We know our world is filled with superficial paths to contentment, but our faith teaches us that the true longing for a deeper joy can only be found in drawing nearer to God. During this Lenten season, we invite you, along with your family and friends, to prepare your hearts for a Lenten journey by spending some time with these weekly meditations on Jesus’ parables and the Beatitudes. We suggest lighting a candle (remembering that Jesus is the light of the world) and setting aside a special time to read and reflect.

We all want a blessed life, a life of deep happiness and joy, so let’s contemplate together Jesus’ teachings as they offer us “rules of life” for living in God’s Kingdom and drawing nearer to God. May these meditations and spiritual practices lead you ever closer to knowing your own blessedness as a child of God, offer you ways to share your blessing with others, and connect you to a time that has yet to come when “God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28).

THE BEATITUDES The Beatitudes are a special blessing that Jesus gave. They help us understand and practice all that Jesus said and did. They are part of an important teaching of Jesus called The Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes announced the Kingdom of God to all people.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Matthew 5:3-10

Scripture

ASH WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 17 “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” ~Genesis 3:19

The scripture we hear on Ash Wednesday, Genesis 3:19, reminds us that our life is a gift from God, “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” We are called to respond to this gift of life by drawing nearer to God through growing our faith. During this Lenten season let us prepare our minds, hearts, and souls to draw nearer to you, Lord.

Read & Wonder

Jesus’ parable of the True Vine gives us the image of the vine to help us think about our relationship with God. I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit.

You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.

Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love (John 15:1-6, 9).

• What does it mean to be “true?”

• How can we draw nearer to God to live on the vine? What do you think it means to abide in Jesus?

• How can we “bear fruit?”

• Are there times you feel far away from God? • Are there things in your life that are blocking you from feeling closer to God?

Prayer

• Can you think of things you can do to remove these blocks?

“Create in me a clean heart, O God and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.” ~ Psalm 51:10-12

Prayer

Read & Wonder

Scripture

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT | FEBRUARY 21 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” ~Matthew 5:3

Jesus desires us to rely on God for direction and strength. In Jesus’ time being poor in spirit likely referred to being humble in spirit. Someone who is humble in spirit recognizes their human limitations and puts their trust in God to be there to help them. Jesus invites all those who are poor in spirit to turn to God’s love and grace with our problems. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

• If we think about “poor in spirit” as being spiritually empty and feeling a need for God’s guidance, have you ever felt empty and like you needed to turn to God to help you with a problem?

• How did you ask God to help you?

• How can we turn to God to guide us in our daily lives?

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me abide in your tent forever, find refuge under the shelter of your wings.” ~ Psalm 61:1-4

Photo credit: Hyatt Moore

Read & Wonder

Scripture

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT | FEBRUARY 28

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” ~Matthew 5:4

When someone dies we feel sad and mourn the loss of that person. Despite deep feelings of sadness, often people experience blessings related to their loss, like when friends or family spend time with them to listen, cry with them, or bring them food.

All of these are acts of compassion, which means “to suffer with” someone. Being together in our suffering can be a blessing and provide comfort. Our faith in God can also provide comfort and be a blessing during this time. We can learn to trust in God’s plan for us, knowing that God loves us and mourns with us. We hear Jesus’ words in John 12:24 as he shares words of comfort to help us understand the mystery of life and death, “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

God also gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit who is our Advocate and Counselor. The Holy Spirit is always with us, ready to give comfort, strength, and joy even when we are mourning.

• Have you ever felt sad after someone you loved died? Where did you find comfort?

• Do you know someone who could use some comforting?

• How can you provide comfort and show compassion to others?

• What do you hear in Jesus’ comforting words about the grain of wheat?

Alternate Prayer

Prayer

• Have you ever seen a tiny seed sprout and grow? How does it change? I wonder how the picture of a seed becoming a small sprout and growing into a grain of wheat can help us understand something about the mystery of life and death?

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff -- they comfort me.” ~ Psalm 23:4

Mother Teresa spent her life walking alongside those who suffered.

This prayer is inspired by her life and witness: .

Lord, when I am hungry, give me someone who has need of food; when I have displeasure, offer me someone to console; when my cross becomes heavy, let me share the cross of another; when I don’t have time, give me someone I can help for a moment; when I am humiliated, give me someone to praise; when I am downhearted give me someone to encourage; when I have a need to be understood by someone, give me someone who needs my understanding.

Prayer

Read & Wonder

Scripture

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT | MARCH 7

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” ~Matthew 5:5

In the Bible, meekness means a type of gentleness or humility. Those who are humble are concerned with others well-being over their own selfish needs. Meekness is one of Jesus’ most distinct qualities. Jesus rarely refers to himself as Messiah, or Son of God, or king. Jesus describes himself as meek, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).

• What do you think meek looks like?

• Can you recall a time when you have been humbled by something? How did you feel? What would it have meant to you to be told that you will inherit the earth?

• Do you know someone who has these qualities? How would you describe them?

During this week practice noticing those who are meek and bless them with a prayer of thanksgiving.

“But the meek shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” ~ Psalm 37:11

Photo credit: Hyatt Moore

Read & Wonder

Scripture

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT | MARCH 14 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” ~Matthew 5:6

When we hunger and thirst for food and water, we can’t think of much else. All we want to do is get something to eat and drink. A hunger and thirst for righteousness can describe a strong desire to do what is right in God’s Kingdom or doing things God’s way. Jesus tells us that we are to seek righteousness the way a hungry person seeks bread. If we live with righteousness we want to make choices and take action so that people will be treated fairly and lovingly. We want our earth to be cared for and we want to follow what God wants for us. Jesus tells us to “strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). We hear in the Bible in the book of Micah that God’s righteousness requires us “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (6:8b).

• What does it feel like to be treated fairly and with kindness?

• Can you think of a time when someone treated you fairly and was kind?

Prayer

• How can you treat people fairly, be kind, and follow God’s ways?

“As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and behold the face of God?” ~ Psalm 42:1-2

Read & Wonder

Scripture

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT | MARCH 21

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” ~Matthew 5:7

God’s forgiveness and mercy are unending. To forgive someone is to stop feeling angry at the person who has done something to hurt you. To show mercy is to be generous, compassionate, tender, and patient toward others. Jesus shares that we need to show mercy to others just as God shows mercy to us, with these words, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:37-38).

We hear this again in the Lord’s Prayer as Jesus taught us to pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

• Can you think of a time when you wanted God to show you tenderness and mercy?

• Can you think of a time when you needed to forgive someone or show mercy?

Do you think it is easy or difficult to show mercy?

Prayer

• How could thinking about God’s mercy for us help you show mercy to others?

“Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.” ~ Psalm 143:1

Photo credit: Hyatt Moore

Scripture

SIXTH SUNDAY OF LENT & PALM SUNDAY | MARCH 28

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” ~Matthew 5:8

Read & Wonder

Those who have a sincere, pure heart let their thoughts and actions be guided by God’s love and grace. How can a pure heart help us to see God? Jesus shares with Philip, his apostle, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?” (John 14:9-10).

In Jesus we can see the face of God as well as our own humanity. The people who waved palm leaves and greeted Jesus riding the donkey into the city of Jerusalem knew he was a gift from God as they celebrated his arrival, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9). Can we see God in Jesus even today? Paul shared with Jesus’ followers who were starting new churches that, “the aim... is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). When we allow God’s message of love and grace to fully enter our hearts we can be the love God intended.

• What do you think it could mean to be pure in heart or have a clean heart?

• Are there things you can do when you feel your heart is not in the right place?

Prayer

• Where did you see God today?

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it in the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts. ~ Psalm 24:1-4

Scripture

MAUNDY THURDAY | APRIL 1

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” ~Matthew 5:9

Read & Wonder

The Hebrew word for peace is the word “Shalom.” It stands for healing, wholeness, righteousness, unity, harmony, completeness, security, and total contentment. Even today the Jewish people use the word Shalom to offer blessings to each other as a way to say “hello” and “goodbye.”

Jesus came to embody peace and share it with the world. Jesus offered this gift of peace to his disciples, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27) and again, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace” (John 16:33). The prophet Isaiah gave us clues that the Messiah,who we have come to know as Jesus, would be called “Prince of Peace” (9:6). In this beatitude Jesus tells us to not only choose peace for ourselves and others, but to actively become the peacemakers.

Being called to be peacemakers means we are called to serve others by practicing calmness, patience, respect, generosity of spirit, and acts of kindness. Jesus shows us what it means to be a servant of peace in the simple act of washing his disciples feet on the night he was betrayed. What a beautiful lesson in humble service! Peacemakers sit and listen to someone who they disagree with or to stay in conversation with someone who holds a different viewpoint. This is a special kind of servanthood and generosity of spirit.

Prayer

• • • •

What is your favorite word to help you think about the meaning of peace?

How do you try to create peace in your family? What does this look like?

When is it easy to be a peacemaker? When is it difficult to be a peacemaker?

Practice saying the word “Shalom” to greet your family and friends today, offering them the gift of peace.

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn to him in their hearts. ~ Psalm 85:8

Scripture

GOOD FRIDAY | APRIL 2 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~Matthew 5:10

Read & Wonder

Following the way of God is not easy. The world around us and our focus on our own selfish needs often pulls us in the opposite direction of the way God wants us to live.

In this beatitude Jesus reminds us that to follow the way of God can even cause you difficulty with others. Jesus and his followers experienced harassment and punishment from people who didn’t understand Jesus.

Jesus even warned his disciples that they may be persecuted for following him saying, “Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven” (Luke 6:22-23).

We hear on Good Friday how Jesus was persecuted, arrested, and died on the cross, but we also know that this is not the end of the story. We hear in the Bible how he rose from the dead on the third day and his “light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5).

• Have you ever felt like it was difficult to follow the way of God? • Do you think you are alone in following God or are there others who choose to follow God too?

Prayer

• A . s you pray today try to think about some of those people who chose to listen to God and follow his way. In your mind can you see yourself standing with them?

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the destroying storms pass by.” ~Psalm 57:1

Scripture

EASTER SUNDAY | APRIL 4 Jesus said to them, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:14-16

Read & Wonder

After Jesus shared the Beatitudes with his disciples he continued to share truths about the Kingdom of God. We hear in this scripture Jesus sharing with his disciples other truths of the Kingdom of God, including calling his disciples the light and asking that they “shine their light before others” (Matthew 5:16). On Easter Sunday, we think about the light that has been shared beginning on the day the women visited Jesus’ tomb. Three days after Jesus was laid in the tomb the light of a new day shines on the women who have come to prepare Jesus’ body. The light reveals Jesus is no longer there in the tomb where he once lay. The tomb is empty. The angel at the tomb tells the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.”

So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples” (Matthew 28:5-8).

The angel asks the women to share the news with the disciples. This news was shared not just with the disciples that day, but continues to be shared and grow throughout time up until we hear this news even today. On Easter Sunday, we joyfully celebrate the news of this great Easter light. The women at the tomb were told to share the news that Jesus is risen with the world. We too, as Christians — followers of Jesus — are called to act on our light, to share the light of Jesus’ resurrection.

• If we think about the action of putting a light out for all to see, how do you show the world your light?

• God made each of us differently with our own special ways of being in this world.

How is your way of being like a light for other people?

• How can you carry the light of Easter into the world and share it?

Prayer

• Today we share this light of Christ as we proclaim “He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!” and we celebrate by saying “Alleluia,” which means “Praise the Lord!”

Share your joy and celebration of Jesus’ light by exchanging “Alleluias” with your friends and family.

For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling, so that I may walk before God in the light of life. ~ Psalm 56:13

Ash Wednesday

Changes in Worship During Lent

• Paraments and pastors’ stoles change from green to purple until the Sanctuary is stripped on Maundy Thursday.

• A simple brass cross replaces the cross on the Communion Table.

• We do not sing the Gloria Patri.

• Choir sings no descants or alleluias.

• We have a silent procession into the Sanctuary by choir, acolytes, clergy during the morning worship services.

Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent with a public act of confession. Acknowledging that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, we stand in solidarity as fellow creatures before our Creator, acutely aware of our failure and frailty. We express our utter reliance on God’s saving grace.

This is symbolized through the imposition of ashes — placing a cross on one’s forehead. Traditionally, the ashes for this service are made from the palm branches of the previous year; thus, the ashes and palms together frame the season of Lent. During the imposition of ashes, the words: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) are repeated again and again. We are to remember that we are but temporary creatures and the cross is a sign of our humanity.

Palm Sunday

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and is, by design, a day of drama and paradox, of triumph and tragedy. As the service opens, the crowd waves palm branches and shouts “Hosanna” (Hebrew for save us), wanting to crown Jesus as king. But as the story of the passion unfolds, their shouts of praise turn to demands for his death. Jesus is handed over, mocked, tortured, and killed; the crown he receives is one of thorns.

Maundy Thursday begins the three days (or Triduum), remembering the new commandment that Christ gave us in word and deed as he taught us how to love one another, washing our feet as a servant. We also celebrate the Lord’s Supper, remembering the meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his death and sharing with our risen Lord a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. At the end of the service, the pastors strip the Sanctuary in silence. The visual aspect of the transformed church now reflects Jesus’ abandonment during the night in Gethsemane when he was arrested. Symbolically, Christ, stripped of his power and glory, is now in the hands of his captors. The church remains in semidarkness, and all depart in silence, thus making the transition from the eucharistic celebration to Jesus’ crucifixion and death.

Good Friday is the day we remember Jesus’ crucifixion.

The hours of noon to 3 p.m. are particularly significant as these commemorate the time Jesus hung on the cross. This service is a penitential service. Yet, it is also a celebration of the good news of the cross, allowing the numerous contemplative moments in silence to speak. The passion narrative of John is read on Good Friday because at the heart of John’s passion narrative is the good news of the cross — victory of the cross. This Gospel lesson will be presented as a choral reading: read in parts, alternating with hymns. Following the solemn procession of the cross covered by a black cloth, thirty-three chimes are played, allowing us to reflect on Christ’s thirty-three years on earth. The congregation depart the service in silence.

Seder

Easter

In remembrance of our Jewish roots, we have the opportunity to participate in a Seder, a Passover celebration, where Jews retell the story of the ancient Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt through ritual foods and prayers.

“Easter” comes from an old English word related to dawn and shining. At Easter, we stand in light of the resurrection to see a new creation, transformed by the grace and glory of God. Easter is the central event, the time of transformation, of becoming a resurrected people, God’s new people. In the fullest sense, Easter is a new way of life, in which we are “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). The Resurrection of the Lord is the center of the Christian year, and the good news we proclaim on this day is the very heart of the gospel. Easter is like the keystone of an arch —the top and center stone upon which all the others lean and depend. Easter refers not only to a single day, but to a whole season of celebration in the Christian year, spanning 50 days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost. On Easter Sunday, we sing many “Alleluias” and share in the paschal greeting, “Christ is Risen!,” and we respond, “He is Risen Indeed!”

3100 Highland Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 205-933-1830

IPC-USA.org