The meeting, led by Najwa, focused on the significance of Ash Wednesday, Lent, and spiritual growth through prayer, fasting, and repentance. Najwa discussed various biblical narratives and concepts, including the symbolism of ashes, the Passover, Palm Sunday, and the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness, loving others, and maintaining a close relationship with God. Throughout the meeting, Najwa encouraged participants to embrace their spiritual journeys, deepen their understanding of God’s presence, and strive for personal resurrection through acts of kindness and humility.Next steps
Ash Wednesday and Repentance Reflection
Najwa welcomed participants to the meeting, highlighting the significance of Ash Wednesday and the season of repentance. She explained the symbolism of ashes, representing repentance and forgiveness, and shared the story of a church member, Betty Maguire, who passed away recently. Najwa invited participants to share prayer requests, which will be addressed later in the meeting.
Najwa’s Prayer for Forgiveness & Unity
Najwa led a prayer and reflection during a meeting, seeking forgiveness and healing for participants and asking for God’s watch over their children and homes. She prayed for peace and solution to the Middle East wars, America’s leadership, and the unity of all Christian denominations. Najwa emphasized the significance of the season of Lent as an opportunity to return to God, seek enlightenment, and come closer to His image and likeness.
Jesus’ Example of Prayer and Fasting
In the meeting, Najwa discussed the importance of seeking and replenishing oneself with the light of Christ. She emphasized the need to follow Jesus’ example, particularly his practice of prayer and fasting. Najwa also explained the concept of being made in God’s image and likeness, and how Jesus took on human form to restore the likeness of God in humanity. She highlighted the significance of the Holy Spirit in enhancing one’s holiness and becoming like Christ. Najwa concluded by emphasizing the importance of loving one another, even those who may reject or persecute us, as Jesus loved us.
Spiritual Growth Through Fasting and Prayer
Najwa emphasized the importance of spiritual growth through fasting and prayer, citing examples from the Bible and her personal experiences. She shared her belief that God guides individuals through various paths and encourages them to embrace their spiritual journeys. Najwa also highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding divine messages and the significance of the first commandment. She concluded by welcoming Helen, who she referred to as the godmother to her granddaughter, Hannah.
Exploring God’s Plan & Intimacy With Faith
In the meeting, Najwa discussed the concept of God’s plan from the beginning of time. She referred to various biblical prophecies, such as those in Genesis and Isaiah, where it is stated that a virgin will conceive and bear a child, and that the government will be upon the shoulder of this child. Najwa emphasized the importance of having an intimate relationship with God and being aware of His presence throughout the day. She also discussed the significance of Lent as a journey with the Lord, using the example of Jesus’ journey from Mount Tabor to Jerusalem. Najwa highlighted the importance of opening one’s eyes to the truth, as exemplified by Jesus’ last miracle, healing the blind man.
Passover’s Connection to Jesus and Daily Bread
Najwa discussed the significance of the Passover, explaining its origin in the Old Testament and its connection to Jesus as the Passover lamb. She described the plagues brought upon Egypt, the command to slaughter and eat a lamb without breaking its bones, and the importance of the blood on the doorposts to protect the Israelites from death. Najwa compared the lamb’s blood to Jesus’ blood on the cross, emphasizing that Jesus is the doorway to heaven and the true Passover lamb. She also mentioned the provision of manna in the wilderness, highlighting its miraculous nature and God’s care for the Israelites. Finally, Najwa connected the concept of daily bread to Jesus as the bread of life.
Eucharist, Crucifixion, and Forgiveness Sunday
Najwa discussed the symbolic aspects of the Eucharist and the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion. She shared a personal experience where God spoke to her through a metaphor involving Lupini beans, illustrating the importance of washing oneself with the Word of God and being preserved through fellowship with fellow Christians. Najwa also highlighted the importance of forgiveness, referring to the traditional Orthodox Church practice of Forgiveness Sunday, where believers seek forgiveness from each other and God.
Palm Sunday and Jesus’ Crucifixion
Najwa discussed the biblical narrative of Palm Sunday, where Jesus entered Jerusalem on a humble donkey instead of a white stallion, fulfilling a prophecy. She emphasized Jesus’ humility and how people welcomed him as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Najwa also highlighted the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, including false witness and physical abuse, but emphasized that Jesus took upon himself the curse of humanity’s sins. She concluded by mentioning Jesus’ triumph over death, opening the door to paradise for believers, and the innocence and belief of children.
Najwa on Sin, Mercy, and Grace
Najwa discussed the significance of the 51st song, which expresses every human emotion, and the importance of remembering God’s favor and grace. She emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit as a symbol of oil in the anointing process and the importance of fasting in their Eastern tradition. Najwa then delved into the story of King David and his sin, highlighting his repentance and request for mercy. She stressed the importance of acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness, as seen in King David’s actions. The discussion concluded with Najwa emphasizing the constant presence of sin in human life and the need for God’s mercy and grace.
Truth, Purification, and Spiritual Growth
Najwa discussed the concept of truth and purification, emphasizing that it lies in the inward being, not in food or actions. She explained that fasting from evil and forgiving are key aspects of this. Najwa referred to biblical stories, including Jesus’s crucifixion, to illustrate her points. She also stressed the importance of seeking God’s presence and forgiveness, and how it can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
Fasting, Prayer, and Personal Resurrection
Najwa discussed the significance of fasting and prayer in deepening one’s knowledge of God and achieving personal resurrection. She encouraged participants to give to the poor, share their food, and offer their possessions to those in need. Najwa emphasized the importance of humility and seeking God’s kingdom to fulfill personal desires. She also highlighted the need for confession of sins and sought prayers for a friend who had passed away.