This Lenten and Easter season we’ll be exploring the theme, In Conversation with Jesus. Each week we'll be using a different punctuation mark to highlight our focus for that week's exchange.
Included below are :
A candle liturgy spanning Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday plus a downloadable Word document of the liturgy.
A set of nine punctuation cards for an at home activity including instructions with a weekly reflection question and prayer focus (free printable).
Lenten & Easter Candle Liturgy
You will need:
Lenten wreath with six candles, matches & candle snuffer.
Nine cardboard sheets, each decorated with a large punctuation mark as per the liturgy to be hung up like a banner (or displayed on the communion table):
Purple: quotation marks, question mark, ampersand, comma, apostrophe, interrobang, exclamation mark
Black: semi-colon
White or gold: ellipses.
Theme: In Conversation with Jesus
Ash Wednesday – 5 March
(Before service: hang up a banner featuring quotation marks.)
Reader 1: Today is Ash Wednesday, a day when we prepare for our journey to Jerusalem. This year, our Lenten theme is ‘In Conversation with Jesus’ because deep in our innermost being, we long to talk with him, and he longs to talk with us.
Reader 2: Each Sunday, we’ll be highlighting a different punctuation mark as we engage in this ongoing conversation. Today we consider a pair of quotation marks (point at banner) to symbolise the opening of our exchange. Let us quiet our minds and share what’s in our hearts with the One who loves us.
(Pause)
Reader 1:
Let us pray.
Loving Jesus,
Thank you for the gift of your conversation,
even as we enter into the dark times of the Jerusalem experience
Help us to share our inner life with you,
and comfort those who need a listening ear today.
Amen
Lent 1 – 9 March
(Before service: set up Lenten candles - six are lit - and hang up a banner featuring a question mark.)
Reader 1: Today is the first Sunday in Lent, the season in which we journey towards Jerusalem. It’s a time when we actively let go of the things that are getting in the way of our relationship with God.
This year, our Lenten theme is ‘In Conversation with Jesus’. What obstacles do we need to clear away so that we can share more of our hearts with him?
Reader 2: Each Sunday, we’ll be highlighting a different punctuation mark as we delve into this ongoing conversation. This week, you’re invited to consider the question mark (point at banner) because Lent is an invitation to pause and ask Jesus the questions occupying our thoughts. Take a moment to silently share with Jesus any questions you have about your life right now, making space for him to respond.
(Pause)
Reader 1:
Let us pray.
Listening Jesus,
As we sit with the difficult questions including:
Why is there suffering in the world?
be with those who feel surrounded by darkness.
Amen
(Extinguish first candle)
Lent 2 – 16 March
(Before service: set up Lenten candles - five are lit, one is not - and hang up a banner featuring an ampersand.)
Reader 1: Our Lenten theme this year is ‘In Conversation with Jesus’. As we draw closer to the cross on this second Sunday in Lent, Jesus invites us into a deeper conversation about who he is, who we are, and how he loves us unconditionally. To aid us in this exploration, we’ll be reflecting on a different punctuation mark each week.
Reader 2: Modern society allows us to connect with one another 24/7, and yet we are experiencing an epidemic of loneliness. What we really long for is true connection.
The ampersand (point at banner) is a linguistic connector: Jesus & you, Jesus & me, Jesus & the outcasts, Jesus & the children … We could just as easily say: Jesus with you, Jesus with me, Jesus with the outcasts, and Jesus with the children. When he came to Earth in human form, Jesus connected with us through our shared humanity – the ultimate act of ‘with-ness’.
Reader 1: As we consider the ampersand, take a moment to imagine Jesus sitting beside you. Filled with empathy and understanding, he is interested in talking with you. What would you like to share with him?
(Pause)
Now imagine Jesus sitting beside every human being on the planet, sharing in their joy and their pain.
(Pause)
Let us pray.
Immanuel, God-with-us,
When we feel anxious and alone,
help us to remember that you know exactly how we feel.
May all who walk in darkness sense your closeness this day
for you are always up for a conversation, even in the worst of times.
Amen
(Extinguish second candle)
Lent 3 – 23 March
(Before service: set up Lenten candles - four are lit, two are not - and hang up a banner featuring a comma.)
Reader 1: Today is the third Sunday in Lent, a time when we reflect on our journey with Jesus. As he makes his way towards the cross, Jesus also makes sure to take time out to restore his body and soul. We too are invited to take time out.
As we explore our theme, ‘In Conversation with Jesus’, let us consider the symbol of the comma (point at banner), a punctuation mark used to indicate a brief pause before the next part of the story.
Reader 2: You’re invited to take a moment to be still and simply notice what rises up within you. As you do so, imagine Jesus sitting beside you, compassionately listening and responding.
(Pause)
Let us pray.
Observant Jesus
Grant us the courage to pause and be still,
to inhale
to exhale
and allow ourselves to be seen.
You see everyone, even those we turn away from.
Today, we remember those who feel invisible.
Amen
(Extinguish third candle)
Lent 4 – 30 March
(Before service: set up Lenten candles - three are lit, three are not - and hang up a banner featuring an apostrophe.)
Reader 1: As we begin the fourth Sunday in Lent, our conversation with Jesus deepens. What does our trusted guide and friend have to say to us today? What does he have to say to the world?
Today’s symbol is the apostrophe (point at banner). It’s a punctuation mark used to indicate ownership, possession or belonging. We are God’s children, Jesus’ companions and recipients of the Holy Spirit. In belonging to the Holy Trinity, we are never without a place to call home.
Let us pause and listen to what Jesus has to share with us about belonging.
(Pause)
Reader 2:
Let us pray.
Hospitable Jesus,
Help us to remain your faithful followers,
knowing that we always have a home in you.
May we remember those who feel they belong to no one.
May you be with them in the dark times.
Amen
(Extinguish fourth candle)
Lent 5 – 6 April
(Before service: set up Lenten candles - two are lit, four are not - and hang up a banner featuring an interrobang.)
Reader 1: On this fifth Sunday in Lent, we continue to deepen our conversation with God’s son. In coming to Earth, Jesus participated fully in the human experience. He knows what it is to struggle, to be perceived as a failure, to get angry, to weep, to be abandoned and betrayed. It is that empathy that makes him the ideal friend to talk to.
Reader 2: Today’s symbol is the interrobang (point at banner), an old-fashioned punctuation mark made up of an exclamation mark on top of a question mark. It’s for those times you feel bewildered, blindsided or attacked. It’s the kind of mark you use when shouting: ‘What?!’ – something we’ve all felt, Jesus included. You’re invited to take a moment to silently share with Jesus a time when you felt this way.
(Pause)
Reader 1:
Let us pray.
Jesus the man,
Sometimes the pain of the world is too much to bear
and we cry out for justice and peace.
As we continue our conversation with you,
we acknowledge the darkness felt by those
whose cries are ignored by the world.
Amen
(Extinguish fifth candle)
Palm Sunday – 13 April
(Before service: set up Lenten candles – one is lit, five are not - and hang up a banner featuring an exclamation mark.)
Reader 1: During this Lenten season, we have been reflecting on what it means to be in conversation with Jesus while we accompany him on the road to Jerusalem. Some moments of our journey have been hard, and yet journeys also involve moments of joy. Today – Palm Sunday – is such a day!
Reader 2: Fittingly, the symbol we’ve chosen is the exclamation mark (point at banner). As Jesus enters the city, let us lift up our hearts and celebrate his arrival. God’s promises are always answered – Jesus is here!
You’re invited to spend a moment in conversation with him. What joyful moment would you like to share from this past week that you can celebrate together? If you can’t think of anything, ask Jesus to draw your attention to something he thinks you’ll enjoy.
(Pause)
Reader 1:
Let us pray.
Generous Jesus,
Thank you for being the gift that we need.
As fires, floods and wars ravage our planet,
we hold in tension the joy of your arrival
and the darkness of the impending crucifixion.
Be with us this day.
Amen
(Extinguish sixth candle)
Good Friday – 18 April
(Before service: hang up a banner featuring a semi-colon.)
Reader 1: Good Friday is the most challenging day of our walk with Jesus – a day that reminds us that the resurrection isn’t possible without the death. It is also a time to acknowledge the pain and suffering in the world, and the way Jesus experienced it.
Reader 2: There is a world-wide movement in which people get a semi-colon tattooed on their wrist. As you can see (point at banner), the semi-colon consists of a full stop and a comma. The full stop suggests that this is the end, but the comma reminds us that there is more to the story. People who wear this tattoo do so to let others know that they’ve gone through hardship and come out the other side. It also lets anyone who feels they can’t go on, know that here is someone they can talk to; someone who knows what it’s like.
Reader 1: Today, let us pause and acknowledge the weight of Jesus’ death. We also hold in our hearts the knowledge that this is not the end.
(Pause.)
Let us pray.
Loving Jesus,
Be with everyone today who feels as if there’s no way out.
Amen
Easter Sunday – 20 April
(Before service: hang up a banner that reads: He is Risen! … Make sure to include the ellipsis.)
Reader 1: This Lent and Easter, we’ve been engaging in conversation with Jesus; a conversation that has revealed Jesus’ heart to us and ours to him.
Each week, we’ve explored a different punctuation mark to act as a focal point for our conversation. Today, that mark is the ellipsis (point at banner) which we sometimes refer to as dot, dot, dot. It often follows the phrase, ‘To be continued …’ because life is always unfolding. Today, we celebrate and refuel for the journey ahead as we carry in our hearts the transformational power of the resurrection.
Reader 2: You’re invited to take a moment to talk with Jesus about something that is being transformed in your life today. If nothing springs to mind, ask Jesus to show you.
(Pause)
Let us pray.
Resurrected Jesus,
Be with us today and always
as we continue our conversation with you.
Forever remind us of the power of your love
as we traverse life’s valleys and mountaintops.
Amen
At Home Activity
Punctuation reflection cards
You will need the following (one per household):
Thin A4 card printed with punctuation marks (see below for free printable template)
Scissors or guillotine to cut card - nine cards per sheet
Instructions (see below)
Envelopes (enough for one per household).
Instructions for at home activity
Deep in our innermost being, we long to talk with Jesus, and he longs to talk with us. So, this Lent and Easter, we’re exploring the theme, In Conversation with Jesus, using the metaphor of punctuation marks. Each week, we’ve chosen a different punctuation mark to highlight the focus of our conversation with him.
Inside the envelope are nine punctuation cards plus this instruction sheet which includes key dates, reflection questions and suggested prayer points.
On each of the key dates, you’re invited to take out the relevant punctuation card and display it at home, and then reflect on the corresponding question and prayer point.
Ash Wednesday – 5 March: Quotation marks
Quotation marks symbolise the opening of our new conversation with Jesus. As we begin our difficult walk towards the cross alongside him, what would you like to share with him today? What is weighing on your heart? Take some time to make room for Jesus’ response.
Prayer point: Those who feel as if they have no one to talk to.
Lent 1 – 9 March: Question mark
Lent is an invitation to pause and ask Jesus the questions occupying our thoughts. No question is off limits. Pause and take a moment to share your questions then spend some time listening for his response.
Prayer point: Those weighed down by suffering.
Lent 2 – 16 March: Ampersand
The ampersand signifies both ‘and’ and ‘with’. Jesus is always with us, and not just us – with everyone. Take a moment to imagine Jesus sitting beside you. As we move further along on our Lenten journey, what would you like to share with him about your hopes and fears for yourself, our church and the world? What does he have to say in reply?
Prayer point: Those for whom fear has hardened their hearts against hope.
Lent 3 – 23 March: Comma
The comma is used to indicate a brief pause before the next part of the story. You’re invited to take a moment to be still and simply notice what rises up within you. As you do so, imagine Jesus sitting beside you, compassionately listening and responding.
Prayer point: Those who feel restless instead of rested.
Lent 4 – 30 March: Apostrophe
The apostrophe is used to indicate ownership, possession or belonging. We are God’s children, Jesus’ companions and recipients of the Holy Spirit which means we are never without a place to call home. You’re invited to talk to Jesus about what it means to belong to him. You might like to ask him what it means to him that you are his.
Prayer point: Those who feel as if they don’t belong.
Lent 5 – 6 April: Interrobang
The interrobang is an old-fashioned punctuation mark made up of an exclamation mark on top of a question mark. It’s for those times we feel bewildered, blindsided or attacked. It’s the kind of mark you use when shouting: ‘What?!’ – something we’ve all felt, even Jesus. You’re invited to share something with Jesus that you’re presently struggling with; something that feels out of your control.
Prayer point: Those who feel bewildered, blindsided or attacked.
Palm Sunday – 13 April: Exclamation mark
Some moments of the journey are hard, and yet journeys also involve moments of joy. Today – Palm Sunday – is such a day! What joyful moment would you like to share with Jesus from this past week that you can celebrate together? If you can’t think of anything, ask him to draw your attention to something he thinks you’ll enjoy.
Prayer point: Those for whom life seems joyless.
Good Friday – 18 April: Semi-colon
The semi-colon consists of a full stop and a comma. The full stop suggests that this is the end, but the comma reminds us there is more to the story. Is there something in your life that feels like an ending or a death? You’re invited to share how you feel about this with Jesus. You could also ask him where hope lies in this situation.
Prayer point: Those who feel as if there’s no way out.
Easter Sunday – 20 April: Ellipses
This Lent and Easter, we’ve been engaging in conversation with Jesus; a conversation that has revealed Jesus’ heart to us, and ours to him. Today’s punctuation mark is the ellipsis which often follows the phrase, ‘To be continued …’ because life is always unfolding. You’re invited to spend a few moments celebrating with Jesus the hope and joy that the resurrection brings to your life and to the life of the world. You might like to ask him what in your life is being transformed, even if you’re not presently aware of it?
Prayer point: Those in need of the healing power of the resurrection.
Credits
You're welcome to use or adapt the materials featured on this blog with the following credit: © Marianne Musgrove, locustsandwildhoney.net.
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