For the word of God is alive and active. Hebrews 4:12
Our church covenant states that “We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God and our authority in matters of faith and Christian living.” The respondents to our recent church survey place a high value on Scripture and identify the main purpose of Christian Education as helping people know what is in the Bible.
Christian Education takes place in many facets of our church life including worship as well as during Sunday School and Bible Study. During the weeks of Advent we will experience a prayerful reading of the Bible called Lectio Divina during our worship times. Following is a brief explanation of this practice.
Lectio - Reading the Bible passage gently and slowly several times. The passage itself is not as important as the savoring of each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the "still, small voice" of a word or phrase that somehow speaks to the practitioner.
Meditatio - Reflecting on the text of the passage and thinking about how it applies to one's own life. This is considered to be a very personal reading of the Scripture and very personal application.
Oratio – Responding to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but is thought to be more of the beginning of a conversation with God.
Contemplatio - Listening to God. This is a freeing of oneself from one's own thoughts, both mundane and holy, and hearing God talk to us. Opening the mind, heart, and soul to the influence of God.
Let us take time this Advent Season to listen to God.
Pastor Joyce
Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/lectio-divina.html
Our church covenant states that “We believe that the Bible is the written Word of God and our authority in matters of faith and Christian living.” The respondents to our recent church survey place a high value on Scripture and identify the main purpose of Christian Education as helping people know what is in the Bible.
Christian Education takes place in many facets of our church life including worship as well as during Sunday School and Bible Study. During the weeks of Advent we will experience a prayerful reading of the Bible called Lectio Divina during our worship times. Following is a brief explanation of this practice.
Lectio - Reading the Bible passage gently and slowly several times. The passage itself is not as important as the savoring of each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the "still, small voice" of a word or phrase that somehow speaks to the practitioner.
Meditatio - Reflecting on the text of the passage and thinking about how it applies to one's own life. This is considered to be a very personal reading of the Scripture and very personal application.
Oratio – Responding to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but is thought to be more of the beginning of a conversation with God.
Contemplatio - Listening to God. This is a freeing of oneself from one's own thoughts, both mundane and holy, and hearing God talk to us. Opening the mind, heart, and soul to the influence of God.
Let us take time this Advent Season to listen to God.
Pastor Joyce
Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/lectio-divina.html
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