Unforced Rhythms of Grace | Week 3: The Word of Life
“The problem is that the digital age is changing our aptitude and appetite for…deliberate and concentrated reading. The more we read in abbreviated forms, the more we long for that sort of reading and the less we are able to read slowly.” —Jay Kim, Analog Church
The Bible is…
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as the foundation of absolute truth in culture of continual shifting of subjectivism. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” —Matthew 7:24–25 (NIV)
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as a weapon to fight our enemy. Take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. —Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
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of wisdom to guide our decisions and gain a greater perspective. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. —Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
A love
to assurance that we are seen, known, and valued. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. —James 1:21 (NIV)
This Week’s Unforced Rhythm of Grace: Lectio Divina
(See instructions how to practice this rhythm in Doing Life Together section)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)
The
of life that brings satisfaction to deep parts of our soul. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. —John 1:1 (NIV)
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. —John 1:4 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:14 (NIV)
Theme: Diving Reading
Reflect Together: What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message that could be put into practice this week?
Share Together: What is your favorite place and space where you spend time with Jesus?
Unforced Rhythm and Response Together: Lectio Divina
Purpose: Lectio Divina is an ancient spiritual practice for prayerfully engaging with the Bible and encountering Jesus, the Living Word. The term comes from the Latin “Lectio” (reading) and “Divina” (divine).
Preparation: Pray and choose a space to engage with God’s Word, alone or with others. In a group, have different people read the passage each time.
Instructions: Pick a scripture passage, such as Psalms 1:1-3 or Matthew 11:28-30, or any you prefer. After each step, discuss what each person feels and hears from God.
The Rhythm: Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest
Read the passage twice, listening for a striking word or phrase. Stay silent, savoring the word without analyzing its meaning. Read the passage a third time, reflecting on how the word touches your life today. Ask questions like, “Where am I in the text?” and “What do I experience as I place myself in the passage?” Let the Holy Spirit speak to you. Identify any invitation or challenge from the word, offering an unedited prayer in response, expressing any emotions or insights. Rest in God’s presence, trusting Him to enable your response. Carry the word with you, listening for deeper meanings throughout the day.
Pray Together: Tell God what you have been thinking and feeling as you’ve listened and meditated. Share how He has answered prayer, and make life requests to Him.