Lectio Divina Prayerful Sharing, November 13, 2023

 

Join Zoom Meeting (Jed hosting for Immanuel Lutheran Church in Holden, Massachusetts)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85459472625?pwd=RWY5b1hJRXRrZi9OMmVMeXhPZU5XQT09

 Meeting ID: 854 5947 2625.   Passcode: 684195

Lectio Divina Process:

    1st reading:  Read:  Listen for the overall sense of the passage.  Notice a word or phrase that most captures your attention as you listen, as though the Holy Spirit were flashing a light from the text to your heart, asking you to notice it. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, allow your eyes to be opened and your heart to be melted  as God speaks to you. If you choose, simply share the word or phrase with the group.

    2nd reading: Reflect- Listen for the feelings, sensations and connections that God's Word stirs in you. If you want, share a connection you sense between the passage and this particular moment in your life.

    3rd reading:  Respond-  Listen to your own heart for  something that you want to express to God in response to the meanings and observations you are hearing. If you desire, share a reverent gratitude, petition or lament that you would like God and your siblings gathered with you to hear.

    After the 3rd Sharing, Share the Silence: Rest in God-  Hold a quiet space to listen to God speaking in your heart,  beyond words.

Hilma af Klint, "Altarpiece No. 1" (1915)

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  3 When they say, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and there will be no escape! 4 But you, beloved, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief; 5 for you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6 So then let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober; 7 for those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

Lord's Prayer  (recited together).  

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  for thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen.

  Closing Prayer

You, O God, are our dwelling-place
from generation to generation,
our shield from anguish and distress.
You arm us as children of light
with the hope of salvation,
and you protect us by your love.
Give us grace to build up
and encourage one another,
as we seek wisdom and abundant life
in the strength of your Word
and the assurance of your Spirit. Amen