Temptation

Day 1: February 17^th Sunday

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

“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. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’” Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, “To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test." When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.” -Luke 4:1-13 NRSV

Today in worship we read the passage from the Gospel according to Luke when the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Re-read this scripture again, slowly.

Do you notice anything with this reading that you didn’t notice this morning in worship?  Write it down.

An old Quaker practice of praying is called “Palms down, palms up.” 

Close your eyes and sit quietly with your palms facing down, resting on your knees.  While in this position hand over to God all you want to get rid of: anxiety, worry, concern about a loved one, anger, greed, anything that is tempting you to separate yourself from God.

After a while, once you have given over all the negative to God, turn your palms up.  While in this position ask God for blessings.  If you have given God your concern about a loved one, pray for him or her.  Ask God for patience and a spirit of love and kindness.  Ask God for blessings that will draw you closer to him. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and empower you to turn away from temptation and to turn to God.  

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.