Learning to Pray: A Lenten Sermon Series and Discussion Group

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. during our main service and Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. – Zoom Discussion Group
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82434032089

Based on Father James Martin’s book, “Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone.”

Sunday topics:
February 22nd: Learning to Pray 1: Obstacles to Prayer
March 1st: Learning to Pray 2: How Prayer Works
March 8th: Learning to Pray 3: Cleansing and Healing Prayer
March 15th: Learning to Pray 4: Learning to Rest in God
March 22nd: Learning to Pray 5: Overcoming Distractions to Prayer

Wednesday Discussion Group: Zoom gathering at 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (Starting February 25, weekly through March 25th).

Liturgical information:

Sunday: February 22nd
First Sunday in Lent [Sermon Series Begins: “Learning How to Pray”]
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-6
Psalm 137:1-6, 8-9
Second Reading: I John 4:7-12, 16-18
Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
Sermon: Obstacles to Prayer
Themes: Friendship with God, God’s steadfast love, stillness, honesty, freedom from fear

Sunday: March 1st
Second Sunday in Lent
First Reading: Genesis 18:16-33
Psalm 18:1-6
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-11
Sermon: How Prayer Works
Themes: Asking and receiving, trust in God’s wisdom, persistence, faith in the midst of uncertainty, God’s grace

Sunday: March 8th
Third Sunday in Lent
First Reading: I Samuel 1:9-18
Psalm 32:1-11
Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-9
Gospel: Mark 5:1-20
Sermon: Cleansing and Healing Prayer
Themes: Christ the healer, confession, peace, God as refuge, renewal of mind and heart

Sunday: March 15th
Fourth Sunday in Lent
First Reading: I Kings 19:9-13a
Psalm 46
Second Reading: Philippians 4:10-13
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Sermon: Learning to Rest in God
Themes: Contemplation and communion, God’s mystery and majesty, abiding/dwelling in God, rest, peace and simplicity

Sunday: March 22nd
Fifth Sunday in Lent
First Reading: Ruth 1:15-18
Psalm 37:3-7
Second Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25
Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Sermon: Overcoming Distractions to Prayer
Themes: Steadfast love, commitment, endurance, having an undivided heart, God’s sustaining presence, faithfulness