What if the thing you’re holding onto is actually holding you back?
In this Week 5 Lent message, we explore the story of the Rich Young Ruler and Jesus’ invitation—not just to give something up, but to exchange what we cling to for what we truly need. Drawing from Luke 18, Isaiah 61, and Luke 4, this sermon unpacks the spiritual and even physical cost of unforgiveness, control, and fear—and how Jesus meets us with healing, freedom, and grace.

Step-by-Step Guided Prayer:
1. Invitation
“Imagine yourself standing before Jesus. See His face. He looks at you with deep compassion and love. He understands what you hold tightly.”
2. Releasing
“In His gentle presence, name silently in your heart what you’ve been holding onto—fear, control, wealth, status, shame, or something else.
Tell Him honestly: ‘Jesus, this is what I’m clinging to.’”
(Pause for 30-60 seconds.)
3. Listening for the Exchange
“Now quietly ask Jesus, ‘Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange?’
Wait quietly, trust that He is good, and listen for His gentle voice or impression on your heart.”
(Pause for at least 1–2 minutes.)
4. Receiving
“As you sense what Jesus offers you—peace, assurance, forgiveness, joy—picture yourself receiving it from His hands. Thank Him quietly in your heart for this exchange.”
(Pause again for 30 seconds.)
5. Closing prayer:
“Lord Jesus, thank you that you are generous. You never leave our hands empty. Give us courage to walk into this week trusting fully in what you’ve placed into our hearts today. Amen.”
After guided prayer, invite the congregation to briefly journal (3–5 minutes).
• Write down what Jesus invited you to release.
• Write down clearly what He offered you in exchange.
• Record any thoughts, emotions, or prayers that arose during this process.
Suggested prompts for journaling:
• Jesus invited me to release…
• In exchange, Jesus offered me…
• One step I’ll take this week in response is…
Prayer
“Now, go with open hands and open hearts. May you experience the joy of surrender and the gift of exchange—ashes for beauty, mourning for joy, striving for peace.
Go in the deep assurance that the God who invites you into this exchange is faithful and will hold you close, now and always.
Amen.”