Daily Lenten Offering

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

—Matthew 16:24-25

God, I want to be your follower, but I am hesitant about what it takes. Reassure me so that I may embrace what is uncomfortable, but good. Protect my name that I may show up for my community ready to be put to work. Amen.

Some exercises are better done in partnership with a buddy. Find someone in your family or in the church and explore your spheres!

Sphere of Control: what we can directly control.

Sphere of Influence: matters in which we may have an impact, but not unilaterally.

Sphere of Concern: things we care about, even deeply, but cannot directly change.

First, take a moment to collect your top worries, fears, and questions. Next, study the three spheres. Then, place each of your concerns in the appropriate sphere.  

In the Sphere of Concern, what do you need to give up? Can you release that to God in prayer? In the Sphere of Influence, who might you partner with to make change happen? In the Sphere of Control, what actions could you be taking that you have been avoiding?

The goal is to progressively move toward your center, focusing your energy on what you can control or influence. Those things you cannot control or influence release to God. Consider the Serenity Prayer.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.