It's no secret that I love to read. It's become
laughable to even keep paying for cable television! I do a lot more reading
when summer rolls around. I may not be reading the hottest bestsellers, but
I like to read whatever makes me engage my world and my faith in new ways.
About once a year, I put together a list of recommended reading and share it
with you in the Weaver. In this column, I take a new approach, because
we are at a time of transition. I'd like to recommend a good
scripture-reading process called lectio divina (sacred reading).
Several months ago, when I needed another way
to pray, my spiritual director, Diane, encouraged me to practice
lectio divina. Our Evergreen Baptist Association Executive Minister,
Marcia Patton, often opens team meetings and day-long learning experiences
by leading the group in lectio divina. Lectio divina is an
ancient practice of reading and reflecting on the scriptures at a deeply
prayerful level. You can practice lectio divina alone or in a group.
This is not a bible study—no need to know biblical history or consult
a commentary for answers. It's not an intellectual pursuit. This is listening
for what the Holy Spirit has to say to you in the moment you encounter the
scripture. Since this is prayerful reading, it's best not to rush.
In brief, the process involves reading a
passage of your choice, or a passage you find when you open your bible. You
read the passage, listening for a word or phrase that tugs at you, that
catches your attention or makes you curious. You read the passage again, and
meditate on that word or phrase, and see what comes—an image, a
thought, a memory, a feeling. You contemplate what has come up for you, and
then read the passage a third time, asking yourself, "How is God speaking to me
through this scripture?" or "How is God calling me to respond?" Finally, you
close with a brief prayer of thanks.
|
I'm sure many of you have heard of
lectio divina in the past. Practicing lectio divina shows once
again that scripture is alive, and has riches for our contemporary context.
Baptists recognize that we always read the bible with the Holy Spirit's
presence and guidance.
As the congregation discerns what direction to
take for the future, it's important for individuals to be grounded in the
Word. In preparation for the half-day congregational retreat in June, perhaps
you can spend some time with God through reading scripture in this way.
Besides asking how God is speaking to you, you might consider what God is
saying to our congregation at this juncture. I have total faith that this
congregation has a ministry opportunity to be a blessing, just as much as
this church has been a blessing in the past.
I complete the final month of my ministry at
this church on June 30th. I leave the church as your pastor, but I want to
always be your friend and colleague in ministry in the region. You will
always be a part of me as I take a new path. Thank you for being so open and
considerate toward me. You were courageous and generous in calling a young
African-American woman who was still in seminary to be your pastor, and
stuck with her as she grew and learned. That kind of heart is exactly why
God has a plan for this church, and you are poised to do great things with
new leadership.
I praise God for you, and thank God in advance
for your bright future!
In Christ,
Angela
|
