Introduction to Sacred Reading

The Prayer of Sacred Reading: Listening and Responding to God’s Word

A Collaborative Ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Holden, Massachusetts and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Jericho, Vermont

The practice of sacred reading, sometimes called “listening with the heart,” is a way of praying with scripture based on the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina. It is not an analytical or dogmatic “bible study,” but rather a meditative sharing of feelings, observations, personal meanings and, ultimately, responses, to the voice of the Living God we encounter in the Word.

In the spirit of Christ and in the explicit commitment of both congregations, all people are truly welcome to this prayerful encounter with scripture  wherever they may be in their faith journeys.  We do not debate interpretations or assert dogmatic positions, we simply listen to the Word of God and to each other with open hearts and open minds, in a non-judging way.  A participant is never called upon or required to share, nor are a person’s questions, difficulties or ideas challenged or criticized.  Presence, kindness and connection are our central values and intentions.