The people of Israel were wandering in the wilderness in search of the place that God had promised them.  The woman at the well challenged Jesus about the place where God should be worshipped.

Think of the place where you would like to be right
now.

• What is special about it?
• Why do you want to be there?
• Are there places where you find it easiest to meet God?

If you are in a group, take time to talk about this.

Bible Readings

Exodus 17: 1–7

The people had been set free from Egypt, but the journey to the promised land was far from straightforward.

God had promised the people a place.

• Why was it taking so long to get there?
• What did the people need to understand about God?

John 4: 5–42

Both Jesus and the woman are taking risks in this conversation. Their conversation is not straightforward and covers a lot of twists and turns.

This story gives us a lot of detail about the place where it took place.

• What is significant about ‘place’ in this story?
• What did all the characters in the story need to learn about God?

Questions to consider

• Are places important to you? Could you do what you want to do anywhere?
• What is special for Cornerstone in being in central Milton Keynes?
• What are the risks in being too focused on ‘place’?
• What does the concept of ‘sacred space’ mean to you?

For those working in a group, you may discuss some or all of these questions – or your conversation and prayer may take you somewhere else entirely.  But the important thing is to take time to reflect and pray in whatever way is most appropriate for you.

This meditation can be downloaded as a PDF here: LENT-WEEK3