18For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, 19in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, 20who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight people, were saved through water. 21And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you — not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
- How have you been saved by water?
- Notice how the water feels on your skin? In your mouth?
- What freedom do you receive in the water?
- Focus on the freedom in the water.
- Be held in freedom in the water.
- Remember your baptismal vows.
- What sins can you release as you are being held?
- Let them go.
- Be held in the forgiveness of Christ who suffered for sins once and for all.
- Be bathed in the goodness of the Light.
- What message does Christ have for you today?
- Give thanks to God through Christ for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, February 26, 2012, The First Sunday in Lent Year B
Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD