The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. – Galatians 5:22-23
Look at the list of the fruit of the Spirit.
Take a few moments to consider each of these attributes.
Which one are you in need of this moment?
Cutting 'fruit'
Invitation:
Take a piece of paper and cut out a leaf (or a piece of fruit!).
Write the fruit of the Spirit on it that you are asking God to produce in you.
Say it aloud as you hang it on the tree.
Look at the tree and the fruit others have posted or will post. Give thanks to God for these gifts of the Spirit.
Take a moment to bask in God’s presence.
On the tree
Prayer:
God, I long to know you more.
I worship you as Three in One – Father, Son, Spirit.
May my life take root deep in you, and may the leaves and fruit that grow bring shade, healing, and life to all.
As you enter this space find a place to still yourself before the throne of God… whether standing, sitting, or kneeling.
Flames
Consider the candle flame, its warmth, its light.
Let this light illuminate your thoughts and this warmth draw out your burdens. Perhaps you are in need of forgiveness or need to forgive.
Take as much time as needed.
Invitation:
When you feel led, write your prayer request or supplication, a name or a word that has meaning to you on a slip of paper, set it in the container —giving it to God.
Light
Then light a votive candle as an ikon of your prayer.
Prayer:
Dispel my illusions, Jesus, that I might see the wisdom of your way.
May your light guide me always and give me strength.
Life is busy. Commitments pull us in many directions. Responsibilities attempt to smother us. We seek to make a living, to live. To love, to give. Yet so much seems to get in the way of what we are seeking.
What is it that has you preoccupied, worried, anxious?
Water is life
Invitation:
Take a cup, fill it with water. Imagine the cleansing that water brings, the life it provides. Take a tablet from the dish. Feel its edges, its texture. See it as a representation of all that has you worried and anxious.
Drop it in the water. As the tablet dissolves, allow your worry to dissolve with it. Give it to God and trust in Him.
SCRIPTURE:
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”
—1 Peter 5:7
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
— Matthew 6:25
At the station
Prayer:
God thank you for this life you given me.
Receive my worries, my cares, my concerns.
Recently at Watershed we attempted to cultivate a unique worship experience, specifically for Lent.
We called it ‘The Monastery Experience’, making use of the old, late-1800’s space recently restored in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons – our collective home as a faith community. In the brick-lined hallways and arches, it was easy to imagine ourselves in a monastery in ancient times.
Various stations were set up at which one was able to stop and have a contemplative worship experience. A nice group of people attended, from our own community and beyond. Young, old, and in-between walked the halls and spent time worshiping, reflecting, absorbing. In the background we had chant playing from Benedictine and Gregorian monks. As it echoed through the halls we were truly transported to another place.
There will be a page for each station on this site, and you are invited to experience this powerful event for yourself.
—
LENT: the monastery experience
Enter here
Lent is about making space for God. This morning, we have created a monastery-like setting in which you are invited to consider the ways you can empty yourself, and create more space for God.
There are eight stations setup in the lower mercato area. Imagine you are entering a monastery. Act with the reverence you would have on such an occasion.
Some stations will work best by yourself, others will work better in a group.
Instructions will be provided at each station. You may want to experience each station, or a few, or some more than once. Don’t worry about rushing from one to the next – be present in each space. You may start at the end, and work forward, or the front and move back, or in any order you choose. When you are finished with a station, quietly move to the next.
Here is an overview, with links to each station:
STATION: WATER — seeking release Works best individually
STATION: FIRE — illumination, heat, warmth Works best individually
STATION: TREE — seeking fruit and life Works best individually
STATION: VOX — voices that bring life Works best in groups of four or more
STATION: TABLE — take, eat, remember, believe Individual or groups
STATION: GROOVE — breaking out of ruts Works best individually
STATION: STILL — quiet, empty, silent Individual or groups
STATION: LECTIO — sacred reading Works best in groups of four or more
