An exercise in letting go

Purpose

• Being still before the Lord for a few minutes could help you listen throughout your day.
• Letting go of concerns as we are still before God brings peace. Holding onto concerns and burdens brings anxiety.
• Being silent can bring an awareness of God’s active presence and keep us from unhealthy self-absorption.

Invitations from God

“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.”(Psalm 37:7)
“I have stilled and quieted my soul.” (Psalm 131:2)

Practice

• Find a quiet place and sit comfortably (20 minutes is a suggested time).
• Review a few Scriptures (like those above) that invite you to silence.
• Be absolutely still and quiet, aware of the the presence of God with you.
• Choose a current meaningful word/phrase that helps you worship God. It might be “Abba Father” or “Loving Provider” or something else.
• As various thoughts come to mind, and they probably will, let them go one by one. Surrender the issue or concern, and as you do, recite the word/phrase you have chosen.
• If it helps you, think about putting each concern or issue into a boat that is moving down a river. As distracting thoughts come to mind, don’t stop and analyze them, just let them go.

Reading and savouring the Word

Purpose

• This prayerful reading of Scripture is meant to be an experience of hearing and receiving words from God in the here and now.
• Lectio Divina has been compared to feasting on the Word.
• This is one way of letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Col 3:16)

Invitations from God

“Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” (I Sam 3:10)
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:9)
“Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2)

Practice

• In a quiet setting, read the passage out loud at least twice.
• Pay attention to the word or phrase that grabs you.
• In silence, allow God to use that word or phrase to speak to your heart.
• Don’t try to figure out the whole passage, enjoy and savor what God is saying to you.
• What is the word or phrase stirring up in your heart? Write down your ideas.
• Read the passage out loud again. Pause for another minute of silence while you ponder the question: “Since what I have been meditating on is true, then what is my response?”
• If you are in a group, give opportunity to talk to each other about what God is saying to each of you.

Listening to what brings life to your heart

• To discover more and more our unique identity and how we best give and receive love.
• To notice the accumulation of “insignificant moments” which form a pattern and give us direction in life.
• To become “fully alive” because Man fully alive is the glory of God – St. Irenaeus

Invitations from God

“Come to me with your ears wide open, listen and you will find life.” (Isaiah 55:3)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…. And be thankful.” (Col.3:15)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23&24)

Practice

• Take some time to reflect on your day or week with gratitude. As you do, ask yourself two types of questions from the Examen: “For what am I most grateful?” and “For what am I least grateful?”; “What gave me the most life?” and “What drained me the most?” This can be done alone or in community.
• Try to understand what it was about the event or situation that gave or took life from you.
• Journal your findings and share them with a friend you trust.
• As you ask these questions over time, you may notice a pattern emerging that helps you identify who God created you to be and how God is present to you in day to day life.

Enjoying and discerning God's voice together

Purpose

• You are part of an amazing worldwide community of people called the body of Christ. God speaks to you through the precious people in your life. As you hear God speaking through people you are enriched.
• You benefit through the shared wisdom that comes as you listen in community. As you walk in humility, listening in community to people that do not only think as you do, safeguards you from going astray.
• You have something to contribute. God uses ordinary people and invites us into partnership to bless others by building up, encouraging and comforting those around us. God uses you to speak to others around you.

Invitations from God

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort.” (1 Cor. 14:3)
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts… they form one body.” (1 Cor. 12:12)
“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work,it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16, NLT)

Practice

• Recognize that God speaks to you through those around you, and through you to others. The Orchestrator is regularly bringing people in and out of your life. Are you listening? Are you willing to speak words of life to others?
• Dare to be transparent with those closest to you. Ask for help so people can support you in your weakness.
• God often guides us through our leaders. Are you willing to listen to their advice?

Focusing on God's activity and our response

Purpose

• To become aware of the activity of God in and around you.
• To respond to God’s presence and initiatives.

Invitations from God

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”(Isaiah 64:4)
“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11)
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

Practice

As a director
• Become a listener – “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 17:27-28)
• Ask questions linked with what you are hearing rather than trying to fix things and give answers

As one being directed
• Pay attention to what has been happening lately, in you, around you, through you. Where and how have you noticed God working in your life? Is he inviting you to something?
• Notice your responses – what has brought you life and what has been difficult? When have you felt God’s pleasure and peace?