The Centre Dural Podcast

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799 Kid's Video created by Go Chatter Studios www.gochatterstudios.org

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799 Kid's video created by www.gochatterstudios.org

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799

Welcome to DAY 42 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were  “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from Hebrews 4:14-5:9 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honour on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son;     today I have become your Father.”  6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever,     in the order of Melchizedek.”  7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit  For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life.  For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen

Welcome to DAY 41 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were  “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from Mark 15:33-47 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 33 At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).  35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.” 36 Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said. 37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” 40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. 42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit  For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life.  For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen

Welcome to DAY 40 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were  “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 13:1-15 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. 12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit  For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life.  For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen

Welcome to DAY 39 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were  “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from Matthew 26:14-25 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus 14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. The Last Supper 17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. 20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” 22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” 23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit  For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life.  For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799

Welcome to DAY 38 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were  “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 13:21-38 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 21 After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. 23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” 25 Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night. 31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 36 Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” 37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit  For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life.  For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen

Welcome to DAY 37 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were  “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 12:1-11 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we accept the invitation of Christ and the Holy Spirit  For All who are thirsty to “Come!” and drink from the river of life.  For All who are hungry to Come and eat from the Tree of Life And For All who are saved to Come and worship at the Throne of Jesus Christ who promises us “Yes, I am coming soon.” Yes! Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus Amen

Welcome to DAY 36 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to now to release any fear, shame or doubt and relinquish it to Christ on the cross. Jesus’ last three words on the cross were  “It is finished!”. This week’s breath prayer is At the cross… It is finished! This prayer is not just for us, feel free to also use it as a declaration over a loved one who may need this prayer of intercession in their current season of life. Use your rhythm of breathing to help you pray: Breathe in slowly and deeply as you receive God’s forgiveness through Christ… Breathe out slowly and completely as you release your sins… On your next in breath pray, “At the cross…” And as you breathe out pray, “It is finished…” At the Cross… It is finished Today’s Bible Reading comes from Matthew 21:1-11  As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion,     ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey,     and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”  6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”  “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Welcome to DAY 35 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to pause, to quiet our mind, and to reflect on God’s presence with us right now This week’s breath prayer comes from Psalm 46:10-11 “The LORD says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God… Selah’” It’s believed the Hebrew word “Selah” was a musical instruction to pause and reflect on a truth which had just been spoken. As we breathe this prayer let us simplify it each time on the in breath and then reflect on the outbreath with “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I am God” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I AM” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be” And breathe out “Selah” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 14:6-14  As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. 12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we pray  That God will bless you and protect you; That God’s face will radiate with joy because of you;  That God will be gracious to you, show you his favour towards you,  and give you his peace.’ Amen

Welcome to DAY 34 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to pause, to quiet our mind, and to reflect on God’s presence with us right now This week’s breath prayer comes from Psalm 46:10-11 “The LORD says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God… Selah’” It’s believed the Hebrew word “Selah” was a musical instruction to pause and reflect on a truth which had just been spoken. As we breathe this prayer let us simplify it each time on the in breath and then reflect on the outbreath with “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I am God” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I AM” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be” And breathe out “Selah” Today’s Bible Reading comes from  John 6:22-29 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. Jesus the Bread of Life 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we pray  That God will bless you and protect you; That God’s face will radiate with joy because of you;  That God will be gracious to you, show you his favour towards you,  and give you his peace.’ Amen

Welcome to DAY 33 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to pause, to quiet our mind, and to reflect on God’s presence with us right now This week’s breath prayer comes from Psalm 46:10-11 “The LORD says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God… Selah’” It’s believed the Hebrew word “Selah” was a musical instruction to pause and reflect on a truth which had just been spoken. As we breathe this prayer let us simplify it each time on the in breath and then reflect on the outbreath with “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I am God” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I AM” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be” And breathe out “Selah” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 6:16-21 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we pray  That God will bless you and protect you; That God’s face will radiate with joy because of you;  That God will be gracious to you, show you his favour towards you,  and give you his peace.’ Amen

Welcome to DAY 32 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to pause, to quiet our mind, and to reflect on God’s presence with us right now This week’s breath prayer comes from Psalm 46:10-11 “The LORD says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God… Selah’” It’s believed the Hebrew word “Selah” was a musical instruction to pause and reflect on a truth which had just been spoken. As we breathe this prayer let us simplify it each time on the in breath and then reflect on the outbreath with “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I am God” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I AM” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be” And breathe out “Selah” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 3:31-36 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we pray  That God will bless you and protect you; That God’s face will radiate with joy because of you;  That God will be gracious to you, show you his favour towards you,  and give you his peace.’ Amen

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799

Welcome to BANTER; the weekly podcast where we unpack Sunday's sermon.  The lads chat about the theology of spoken word in scripture, strategies for employing the spiritual discipline of the Examen in our own lives, and as promised, Mitch graces us with some insights into into Graeco-Roman firefighting techniques. To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural 

Welcome to DAY 31 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to pause, to quiet our mind, and to reflect on God’s presence with us right now This week’s breath prayer comes from Psalm 46:10-11 “The LORD says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God… Selah’” It’s believed the Hebrew word “Selah” was a musical instruction to pause and reflect on a truth which had just been spoken. As we breathe this prayer let us simplify it each time on the in breath and then reflect on the outbreath with “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I am God” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I AM” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be” And breathe out “Selah” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 3:16-21 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we pray  That God will bless you and protect you; That God’s face will radiate with joy because of you;  That God will be gracious to you, show you his favour towards you,  and give you his peace.’ Amen

Welcome to DAY 30 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to pause, to quiet our mind, and to reflect on God’s presence with us right now This week’s breath prayer comes from Psalm 46:10-11 “The LORD says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God… Selah’” It’s believed the Hebrew word “Selah” was a musical instruction to pause and reflect on a truth which had just been spoken. As we breathe this prayer let us simplify it each time on the in breath and then reflect on the outbreath with “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I am God” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I AM” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be” And breathe out “Selah” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 3:7-15 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”  What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we pray  That God will bless you and protect you; That God’s face will radiate with joy because of you;  That God will be gracious to you, show you his favour towards you,  and give you his peace.’ Amen

Welcome to DAY 29 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to pause, to quiet our mind, and to reflect on God’s presence with us right now This week’s breath prayer comes from Psalm 46:10-11 “The LORD says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God… Selah’” It’s believed the Hebrew word “Selah” was a musical instruction to pause and reflect on a truth which had just been spoken. As we breathe this prayer let us simplify it each time on the in breath and then reflect on the outbreath with “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I am God” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know that I AM” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still and know” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be still” And breathe out “Selah” As you breathe in Pray “Be” And breathe out “Selah” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 3:1-8 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we pray  That God will bless you and protect you; That God’s face will radiate with joy because of you;  That God will be gracious to you, show you his favour towards you,  and give you his peace.’ Amen

Welcome to DAY 28 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath as we are filled with God’s peace and rest in the stillness. This week’s breath prayer comes from Mark 4:39 when amidst a stormy sea, buffeted by the waves and wind, Jesus speaks with authority into the chaos and commands the storm “Peace, Be Still” On your in breath pray “Peace” and once your lungs are completely filled with air hold your breath for a few seconds before praying on the out breathe “Be Still” “Peace” hold “Be Still” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 12:44-50  As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I  have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Thank Pappa God for his eternal love Thank Jesus Christ for his sacrificial love And thank the Holy Spirt for his inspiring love Amen

Welcome to DAY 27 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath as we are filled with God’s peace and rest in the stillness. This week’s breath prayer comes from Mark 4:39 when amidst a stormy sea, buffeted by the waves and wind, Jesus speaks with authority into the chaos and commands the storm “Peace, Be Still” On your in breath pray “Peace” and once your lungs are completely filled with air hold your breath for a few seconds before praying on the out breathe “Be Still” “Peace” hold “Be Still” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 10:22-30 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims 22 Then came the Festival of Dedication[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[b]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Thank Pappa God for his eternal love Thank Jesus Christ for his sacrificial love And thank the Holy Spirt for his inspiring love Amen

Welcome to DAY 26 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath as we are filled with God’s peace and rest in the stillness. This week’s breath prayer comes from Mark 4:39 when amidst a stormy sea, buffeted by the waves and wind, Jesus speaks with authority into the chaos and commands the storm “Peace, Be Still” On your in breath pray “Peace” and once your lungs are completely filled with air hold your breath for a few seconds before praying on the out breathe “Be Still” “Peace” hold “Be Still” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 8:51-59 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 51 Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.” 52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?” 54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” 57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” 58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Thank Pappa God for his eternal love Thank Jesus Christ for his sacrificial love And thank the Holy Spirt for his inspiring love Amen

Welcome to DAY 25 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath as we are filled with God’s peace and rest in the stillness. This week’s breath prayer comes from Mark 4:39 when amidst a stormy sea, buffeted by the waves and wind, Jesus speaks with authority into the chaos and commands the storm “Peace, Be Still” On your in breath pray “Peace” and once your lungs are completely filled with air hold your breath for a few seconds before praying on the out breathe “Be Still” “Peace” hold “Be Still” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 8:31-42 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are 31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” 34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.[a]” 39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would[b] do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Thank Pappa God for his eternal love Thank Jesus Christ for his sacrificial love And thank the Holy Spirt for his inspiring love Amen

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/  Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799

Welcome to DAY 24 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath as we are filled with God’s peace and rest in the stillness. This week’s breath prayer comes from Mark 4:39 when amidst a stormy sea, buffeted by the waves and wind, Jesus speaks with authority into the chaos and commands the storm “Peace, Be Still” On your in breath pray “Peace” and once your lungs are completely filled with air hold your breath for a few seconds before praying on the out breathe “Be Still” “Peace” hold “Be Still” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 8:21-30 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Dispute Over Who Jesus Is 21 Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.” 22 This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?” 23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” 25 “Who are you?” they asked. “Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. 26 “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.” 27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Thank Pappa God for his eternal love Thank Jesus Christ for his sacrificial love And thank the Holy Spirt for his inspiring love Amen

Welcome to BANTER; the weekly podcast where we unpack Sunday's sermon.  The boys explore the reason for Isaiah's calling differing from all the other prophetic books, the Catholic worldview of of venial and mortal sin, and the multiple ways in which breath prayers and circle prayers can bring vitality to our own prayer lives. To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural 

Welcome to DAY 23 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath as we are filled with God’s peace and rest in the stillness. This week’s breath prayer comes from Mark 4:39 when amidst a stormy sea, buffeted by the waves and wind, Jesus speaks with authority into the chaos and commands the storm “Peace, Be Still” On your in breath pray “Peace” and once your lungs are completely filled with air hold your breath for a few seconds before praying on the out breathe “Be Still” “Peace” hold “Be Still” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 8:1-11 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Thank Pappa God for his eternal love Thank Jesus Christ for his sacrificial love And thank the Holy Spirt for his inspiring love Amen

Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 11:1-45 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” 11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” 17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” 28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” 38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

Welcome to DAY 21 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath and rest in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit once again to form us into a closer likeness of Jesus. As you breathe in, pray “More of Christ”,  As you breathe out, pray “Less of Me” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 7:40-52 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 40 On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” 43 Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. 44 Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him. Unbelief of the Jewish Leaders 45 Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?” 46 “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied. 47 “You mean he has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. 48 “Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? 49 No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them.” 50 Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and who was one of their own number, asked, 51 “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he has been doing?” 52 They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Surrender our bodies to the Holy Spirt Surrender our hearts to Christ And surrender our souls to our Heavenly Father Amen

Welcome to DAY 20 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath and rest in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit once again to form us into a closer likeness of Jesus. As you breathe in, pray “More of Christ”,  As you breathe out, pray “Less of Me” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 7:1-30 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 7 After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want[a] to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him. 6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 8 You go to the festival. I am not[b] going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. 10 However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. 11 Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” 12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” 13 But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders. Jesus Teaches at the Festival 14 Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. 15 The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?” 16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. 17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. 19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” 20 “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?” 21 Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. 22 Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. 23 Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? 24 Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” Division Over Who Jesus Is 25 At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? 26 Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? 27 But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” 28 Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, 29 but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” 30 At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Surrender our bodies to the Holy Spirt Surrender our hearts to Christ And surrender our souls to our Heavenly Father Amen

Welcome to DAY 19 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath and rest in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit once again to form us into a closer likeness of Jesus. As you breathe in, pray “More of Christ”,  As you breathe out, pray “Less of Me” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 5:31-47 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true. 33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study[a] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God[b]? 45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Surrender our bodies to the Holy Spirt Surrender our hearts to Christ And surrender our souls to our Heavenly Father Amen

Welcome to DAY 18 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath and rest in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit once again to form us into a closer likeness of Jesus. As you breathe in, pray “More of Christ”,  As you breathe out, pray “Less of Me” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 5:17-30 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. 19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. 24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. 28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Surrender our bodies to the Holy Spirt Surrender our hearts to Christ And surrender our souls to our Heavenly Father Amen

Welcome to BANTER; the weekly podcast where we unpack Sunday's sermon.  Murray and Mitch delve deeper into the importance of radical honesty in a church community. To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural 

Welcome to DAY 17 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath and rest in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit once again to form us into a closer likeness of Jesus. As you breathe in, pray “More of Christ”,  As you breathe out, pray “Less of Me” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 5:1-16 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. [4] [b] 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” 11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” 12 So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. 14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Surrender our bodies to the Holy Spirt Surrender our hearts to Christ And surrender our souls to our Heavenly Father Amen

Murray explores how a radical honesty with others through both our guilt and grief and lead to a more humble, intimate, Christ-like community. He unpacks the practices of both confession and lament and reflects on how all of us can help foster a more radically honest church. To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/ Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/ Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/ Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799  

Welcome to DAY 16 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath and rest in the silence as we invite the Holy Spirit once again to form us into a closer likeness of Jesus. As you breathe in, pray “More of Christ”,  As you breathe out, pray “Less of Me” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 4:43-54 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START Jesus Heals an Official’s Son 43 After the two days he left for Galilee. 44 (Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honor in his own country.) 45 When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there. 46 Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. 47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. 48 “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” 49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. 54 This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Surrender our bodies to the Holy Spirt Surrender our hearts to Christ And surrender our souls to our Heavenly Father Amen

Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 4:5-42 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. 7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a]) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” 11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” 16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.” 19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” The Disciples Rejoin Jesus 27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” 28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him. 31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” Many Samaritans Believe 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this

Welcome to DAY 14 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, take a moment to notice your breath and rest in the silence as we centre our heart, mind, body, and spirit on the presence of God.  This week’s breath prayer is based on Matthew 21:9 “Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David!’” As you breathe in, pray “Jesus”,  As you breathe out, pray “Be the centre” Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 15:9-17 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. 9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we are Led by the Spirit Fed by the Word and Inherit the Father’s Kingdom on Earth Amen

Welcome to DAY 13 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, take a moment to notice your breath and rest in the silence as we centre our heart, mind, body, and spirit on the presence of God.  This week’s breath prayer is based on Matthew 21:9 “Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David!’” As you breathe in, pray “Jesus”,  As you breathe out, pray “Be the centre” Today’s Bible Reading comes from Mark 12:28-34  As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we are Led by the Spirit Fed by the Word and Inherit the Father’s Kingdom on Earth Amen

Welcome to DAY 12 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, take a moment to notice your breath and rest in the silence as we centre our heart, mind, body, and spirit on the presence of God.  This week’s breath prayer is based on Matthew 21:9 “Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David!’” As you breathe in, pray “Jesus”,  As you breathe out, pray “Be the centre” Today’s Bible Reading comes from Luke 11:14-23 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START 14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. 15 But some of them said, “By Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he is driving out demons.” 16 Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven. 17 Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. 18 If Satan is divided against himself, how can his kingdom stand? I say this because you claim that I drive out demons by Beelzebul. 19 Now if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your followers drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. 20 But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armour in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder. 23 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we are Led by the Spirit Fed by the Word and Inherit the Father’s Kingdom on Earth Amen

Welcome to DAY 11 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, take a moment to notice your breath and rest in the silence as we centre our heart, mind, body, and spirit on the presence of God.  This week’s breath prayer is based on Matthew 21:9 “Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David!’” As you breathe in, pray “Jesus”,  As you breathe out, pray “Be the centre” Today’s Bible Reading comes from Matthew 5:17-19 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we are Led by the Spirit Fed by the Word and Inherit the Father’s Kingdom on Earth Amen

Welcome to DAY 10 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, take a moment to notice your breath and rest in the silence as we centre our heart, mind, body, and spirit on the presence of God.  This week’s breath prayer is based on Matthew 21:9 “Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David!’” As you breathe in, pray “Jesus”,  As you breathe out, pray “Be the centre” Today’s Bible Reading comes from Matthew 18:21-35 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[a] 23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[b] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[c] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we are Led by the Spirit Fed by the Word and Inherit the Father’s Kingdom on Earth Amen

Welcome to BANTER; the weekly podcast where we unpack Sunday's sermon.  Mitch & Murray delve deeper into the theology of lament, using the Psalter as a tool in worship, and how to grow in greater patience. To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural 

To find out more about The Centre visit; www.thecentredural.org.au/church/ We meet at 10am every Sunday in person and online at; www.youtube.com/@centredural  Welcome to The Centre!  We're a Church in Dural, Sydney who want to Make Jesus The Centre of our lives, community, and world. Join us for a time of worship, community and teaching.  Remember to stay in contact with the church, especially if you or anyone you know is in need. Get Connected: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/new/   Prayer Requests: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/prayer/  Tithing Information: https://www.thecentredural.org.au/church/giving/  Follow "BANTER"; the podcast where we unpack each week's sermon with the pastoral team: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ReaCaCb6U7r4EjdJQdajy?si=11f44dcd078e4707  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-centre-dural-podcast/id1035454799 

Welcome to DAY 9 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us Before we begin this reading, take a moment to notice your breath and rest in the silence as we centre our heart, mind, body, and spirit on the presence of God.  This week’s breath prayer is based on Matthew 21:9 “Jesus was in the centre of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David!’” As you breathe in, pray “Jesus”,  As you breathe out, pray “Be the centre” Today’s Bible Reading comes from Luke 4:24-30 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. 24 “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. 25 I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. 27 And there were many in Israel with leprosy[a] in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” 28 All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. 29 They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. 30 But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we are Led by the Spirit Fed by the Word and Inherit the Father’s Kingdom on Earth Amen

As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. John 9:1-41 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.” 12 “Where is this man?” they asked him. “I don’t know,” he said. The Pharisees Investigate the Healing 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. 14 Now the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened the man’s eyes was a Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. “He put mud on my eyes,” the man replied, “and I washed, and now I see.” 16 Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others asked, “How can a sinner perform such signs?” So they were divided. 17 Then they turned again to the blind man, “What have you to say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” The man replied, “He is a prophet.” 18 They still did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they sent for the man’s parents. 19 “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?” 20 “We know he is our son,” the parents answered, “and we know he was born blind. 21 But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who already had decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. 23 That was why his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” 25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” 26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” 28 Then they hurled insults at him and said, “You are this fellow’s disciple! We are disciples of Moses! 29 We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will. 32 Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out. Spiritual Blindness 35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 “Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.” 37 Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” 38 Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this

Welcome to Day 7 of the Lent Lectio Divina series Stop, and breathe deeply As you breathe in, pray “Speak Lord”,  As you breathe out, pray “Your servant is listening” Today’s Bible Reading comes from Luke 15:1-32 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this. As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage. RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this Let us take this time now into the coming day as we thank the Holy Spirit for this revelation Jesus Christ for his invitation and Father God for His good creation