Sunday, August 1, 2010
August Series – What kind of church are we called to be?
This Sunday, I am planning on taking us on a broad sweep overview of "the people of God" through the Bible. Sometimes we look so carefully at the trees that we don’t see the forest. This will be a "big picture" overview of the Bible to help us see the different faces of how God’s people live and act as God’s people throughout Biblical history thus calling us to discover how God has called us to be God’s people in this time and this place.
Because of that, I am simply encouraging you to practice "lectio divina" (outline below) using the text: Luke 12:13-21
Lectio Divina (Holy Listening)
Note: While it is helpful to "go around the circle," so everyone can be heard, anyone may “pass” at any time.
Begin with 60 seconds of silence for people to clear their hearts and minds for God to speak.
Listening for the Voice of Christ the Word
1) Read the passage aloud twice (once at normal speed; a 2nd time by someone else more slowly), as others listen attentivelyfor some segment that is especially meaningful to them.
2) Silence for 1-2 minutes. Each hears and silently repeats a word or phrase that speaks to them.
3) Sharing aloud: Speak out loud the word or phrase that has spoken to you. A simple statement of one or a few words straight from the text. No elaboration.
How Christ the Word Speaks to Me
4) A different person reads the text aloud again.
5) Silence for 2-3 minutes. “Where does the content of this reading touch my life today?”
6) Sharing aloud: “I hear…” or “I see…”
What Christ the Word invites me to be or to do
7) A different person reads the text aloud again.
Silence for 2-3 minutes “I believe that God wants me to … (what and when).”
9) Sharing aloud: At somewhat greater length share the results of your reflection. (Pay special attention to the person on your right as you will be praying for them.)
10)After everyone has had a chance to share, go around the circle and pray for the person on your right. If instead of praying out loud you prefer to pray silently, simply say "I’m praying silently" and conclude your silent prayer with “Amen.”
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