Beloved seekers of God, today we consider the process of yielding and its place in contemplative living and then David will lead us in the practice of Lectio Divina on selection of Psalm 18 from today’s Evening Prayer.
First, a few thoughts on contemplative living. Aspects of contemplative living are familiar to all sincere Christians. We are all drawn by our faith to desire ever-fuller experiences of spiritual union in, through and with Christ Jesus. Those of us called to a commitment to contemplative living are drawn into this way of life by God for many different reasons. This will be discussed at another time. If you are drawn to this ministry, you are called to a way of life that involves daily periods of prayer, meditation and contemplation, as opened to us through many and varied forms. One form could involve a day by day yielding to the insights that come to us in Lectio Divina. A spiritual practice could be taking time to slow down, become centered and yield yourself to a gentle opening of your soul, where you recall experiences and insights that came in your lectio practice. In doing this we enter ‘a blessing of our soul’ where we experience and/or affirm God’s loving compassionate dialogue with each one of us, personally, right where we are. Contemplative living is not a matter of having extraordinary mystical experiences, although they may occur. Contemplative living is about ordering your patterns of living so as to maximize your ability to become opened to the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Lectio Divina Format: For Our Zoom Gathering Thursday January 16th at 7 p.m.
Opening Prayer: For Quiet Confidence
“O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thouart God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”[1]
Brief Musical Interlude
Scripture Reading: Psalm 18:31-33
This God, his way is blameless; the word of Yahweh is without dross. He it is who is the shield of all who take shelter in him. Who else is God but Yahweh, Who else a rock save our God? This God who girds me with strength and makes my way without blame, Who makes my feet like the hind’s and holds me from falling on the heights.[2]
Observation: Listening to the Reading of the Word (Lectio)
As we listen to the word read for the first time, we are invited to be aware of any word or phrase that catches our attention. The key here is to listen with the soul center rather than with the mind. After a minute of silence, we will be invited to share it with the group.
Application: Reflecting on the Word (Meditatio)
As we listen to the word read for a second time, we are invited to be aware of any reflection or thought that comes to mind. Now we use the combination of the word which God used to stir our soul and thoughts that seem connected to it. After five minutes of silence, we will be invited to share our experience with the group.
Deeper Reflection: Resting in the Word (Contemplatio)
As we listen to the word read for a third time, we are invited just to sit with it in silence for five minutes. We let our thoughts become simpler and quieter. We become aware beyond its words, communing with the Spirit who speaks through it. In the silence of our hearts, we simply rest in the Spirit.
Prayer: Responding to the Word (Oratio)
The leader now invites us to be aware of any prayer that rises up within us from our hearts that expresses what we are experiencing in and through this time of meditation. After a minute of silence, we will be invited to express it aloud.
Yielding: Daily Practice
Let the material God has provided rise up into your consciousness as you go about your daily living this week. Discern any slight changes that may occur in your thoughts and behavior because God has and is touching the quality of your consciousness through a new depth of awareness. If so inclined, journal on this.
Closing: The Lord’s Prayer [3]
[1] Prayers for Family and Personal Life, #59. The Book of Common Prayer. New-York: T. Whittaker, 1875, 832.
[2 Psalm 18:31-33, General editor: Alexander Jones. The Jerusalem Bible. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1966.
[3] Matthew 6:10-13, The Jerusalem Bible. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1966.
Spiritual Homesteading 