On Sunday, we did something a little different for the sermon. Often, listening to a sermon tends to be a more passive moment in the service for those present; it is a time to receive a word of encouragement, exhortation, or spiritual insight. Yesterday, when I invited you all to participate in lectio divina, it required you to actively engage with the word of God through prayerful listening. A congregation that is willing to try new things in worship is a gift to a pastor. It is my prayer that you may have heard God’s small still voice in the words of Amos, and in Jesus’s parable. May the Holy Spirit continue to whisper to you this week. Attached here (link) are directions on how to practice lectio divina at home, either by yourself or in a group. I will also have hard copies of this available on Sunday.

Lectio divina takes practice, and there is no “right way.” The most important things are that you come with a Holy expectation of encountering the Living God as you prayerfully contemplate His word, and that you come with the intention of being transformed by sitting in the presence of the triune God. The Holy Spirit lives in you, and even if you don’t hear a word from God, you can rest in God’s presence. That gift of presence does not depend on your effort or on doing anything correctly—it is God’s grace. Jesus promises to be with us (Matthew 28:20).

Below are three additional items of encouragement and tools for prayer. Two of them are links to resources that lead you in a daily lectio divina. I use both and I highly recommend them if you want some guidance and don’t know what scripture to choose. I’ve also included an excerpt from one of St. John Chrysostom’s sermons, which I found encouraging and reassuring of God’s presence with us. St. John Chrysostom lived from 347–407 AD and was known as the “golden mouth” because of his powerful preaching.

Daily Lectio Divina Spotify by Abiding Way Ministries

Pray As You Go this is also available in your app store

From a homily, Life to me means Christ, and death is gain, by Saint John Chrysostom (347–407 AD):

The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock. Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat of Jesus. What are we to fear? Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile? The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods? We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world’s threats, I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.

Do you not hear the Lord saying: Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst? Will he be absent, then, when so many people united in love are gathered together? I have his promise; I am surely not going to rely on my own strength! I have what he has written; that is my staff, my security, my peaceful harbor. Let the world be in upheaval. I hold to his promise and read his message; that is my protecting wall and garrison. What message? Know that I am with you always, until the end of the world! If Christ is with me, whom shall I fear? Though the waves and the sea and the anger of princes are roused against me, they are less to me than a spider’s web.