Lectio Divina Online, January 19, 2025

Take time to:
➡️ Let go of the worries of the day
➡️ Embrace Divine Silence
➡️ Allow for deep spiritual transformation over time

(This event is open to the public and free, or you can pay what you want through the donation box.)

In the depths of your soul, you are in complete union and communion with the Divine.
This is your True Self.
Lectio Divina is a discipline that can help you recognize who you truly are.
The more you practice it, the more you allow God to subtly transform you in the depths of your being so that your True Self can emerge.
This journey of unleashing your True Self is the path of the Christian mystic.
Does this sound like the path for you?

I'm a Presbyterian Church (USA) Teaching Elder (aka, minister) who wrestles daily with the question, "Into what is Christianity evolving?"
I consider myself to be both an "armchair mystic" and an "armchair theologian". My goal is to merge deep experience and deep thought, and make it accessible to those who yearn to grow spiritually. I believe this union of experience and thought is the key to blazing a new trail forward for progressive Christianity in the 21st century.
I first experienced Lectio Divina in 1998 through a small group on centering prayer. This whole approach to Christian spirituality was new to me, and I discovered quickly the transformative potential it had for my life. I've been a fan ever since.
That's why I'm offering it to you today. I believe that you, too, can experience that transformation in the depths that I have.
Please, join us. I would love to meet you and give you the opportunity to discover new possibilities for meaning and purpose in your life.

The short scripture passage that has been selected for the evening is read slowly. During the reading, allow yourself to fall into the text. Allow the text to envelop you. After the reading, there is 1 minute of silence. During the silence, allow yourself to open up to divine inspiration.

The passage is read again slowly. This time, notice which word, phrase, image, or concept pops out. During the 1 minute of silence that follows, ask yourself, "why?" Why is this more meaningful than the rest of the text? What might God be trying to tell you?

The passage is read for a 3rd time. During the 1 minute of silence that follows, allow your heart cry out to God. Let it say whatever needs to be said.

You will select a sacred word ("Abba" is a popular one). The passage is read for a 4th time. Afterward is 20 minutes of silence. During this time, your intent is to pay attention to God. Meanwhile, you will find that your mind wants to wander. It will want to think about the worries of the day, the burdens of yesterday, and the anticipations of tomorrow. When you notice this, bring to mind your sacred word to gently let go of the thoughts and recall you to your original intent, which is to pay attention to God.

Host or Publisher The Evolving Christian Faith Network