Toward Sunday (Page 3)

In worship this week we will turn to the Parable of the Widow and the Judge (Luke 18:1-8 ).  Our summer worship series is largely based on Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy Jill-Levine, a Jewish New Testament scholar who teaches at Vanderbilt.

Outline of Summer Stories:  A Series on the Parables of Jesus

June 26      Luke 15:4-32  Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son
July    3      Luke 10:25-37  Good Samaritan
July  10      Matthew 13:33  Kingdom of Yeast in the Dough
July  17      Matthew 13:45-46  Pearl of Great Price
July  24      Mark 4:30-32  Mustard Seed
July  31      Luke 18:9-14  Pharisee and the Tax Collector
August   7  Matthew 20:1-16  Laborers in the Vineyard
August 14  Luke 18:1-8  Widow and the Judge
August 21  Luke 16:19-31  Rich Man and Lazarus

Background on Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is derived from a Latin word that means “holy reading.” It is an ancient method of slowly & prayerfully reading biblical texts in a repetitive fashion in order to encounter the mystery and love of God which we are practicing this summer.

You do not need to be an expert on the bible in order to lead Lectio Divina.  The format of Lectio Divina invites everyone present to simply listen and notice how the biblical text speaks to them. Leading Lectio Divina simply requires you to clearly establish a structure and then to hold your group within the container of that structure. The structure and process we are using this summer is outlined below.

Outline of Lectio Divina Process

Lectio Divina requires a degree of quiet. Groups meeting in public will need to consider how to adapt this process for your contexts.

• First Reading (lectio) – Invite one person to slowly read the biblical passage as if it were a long awaited love letter addressed to them. As the first person reads, the Kitchen Table is simply invited to listen.

• Second Reading (lectio) – Allow a brief moment of silence and then have a second person read the same biblical text. Again, try to read slowly and expectantly. As the second person reads, the Kitchen Table is invited to notice a word or phrase that resonates, attracts or even disturbs.

• Expressing (oratio) –  Allow for about a minute of silence after the reading and then invite everyone to share the word or phrase that attracted their attention. Please only share the word or phrase aloud. Do not expand on why the word or phrase attracted your attention.

• Third Reading (lectio) – When everyone has shared a word or phrase, have a third person read the same biblical text aloud. Invite your Kitchen Table to allow the image or phrase to sink in slowly and deeply during this third reading. Listen for what the word or phrase might have to offer you at this point in your life.  Following the third reading, allow for 3-6 minutes of reflective silence (meditatio).  During the reflective silence the Kitchen Table is encouraged to prayerfully consider how this word or phrase might relate to their lives. How does this word or phrase inspire you? How does it challenge you?

• Expressing (oratio) – When the reflective silence concludes, invite your Kitchen Table to share as openly and honestly as they are able about what thoughts, wonderings and learnings came to them.  How does the word or phrase speak into your life? What questions do you have as a result of this prayerful reading? What challenges do you feel?

• Fourth Reading (lectio) – Once everyone has had an opportunity to share, if time allows, have a fourth person read the biblical text aloud. Invite your Kitchen Table to reflect on an intention they have for the week ahead in relationship to this biblical text.

• Expressing (oratio) – Invite your Kitchen Table to share their intentions aloud after the fourth reading is completed and a brief period of silence is held.

Close with prayer. Again, Lectio Divina requires practice. Please be patient. We will continue to learn as we continue to practice Lectio Divina together this summer.