Among all the liturgical seasons, Lent has great meaning for many of the faith. The minor keys transport us to a quiet place – a liminal space, yet safe. The spartan altar with simple jute burlap and understated accoutrements bring calm to much too cluttered lives. And the resounding call to introspection and contrition is palpable as we vow death to habits with insidious new strongholds.
Pastor Michelle begins her Lenten Sermon Series in this video. Rooted in the stories of Scripture, the ancient Rule of St. Benedict and the writings of modern distillers of monastic/early church wisdom, we’ll peer into our own souls this Lent and see how we can greater mirror the Christ in whose image we are created.
Read Deuteronomy 30:14, Selections, Psalm 119, and Matthew 13: 1-10 and consider the questions below in preparation for Sunday’s sermon, “Listening to and Praying the Scriptures (Lectio Divina).”
Sermon Questions:
1. What is your favorite passage of Scripture and why? What might happen if you took some time to not just read it, but quietly meditate upon it and/or journal about it. Wonder what insights might arise?
2. The four steps of the Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina are as follows: a. Reading (lectio) b. Meditation (meditato—rumination) c. Prayer (oratio) d. Contemplation (contemplatio) Which may be the easiest/most difficult for you and why?
3. Does your belief about how to interpret Scripture and how the Bible came together, help or hamper your ability to pray, study and meditate upon it? What’s at stake?
4. In what areas of life might you most benefit from some Benedictine monastic wisdom/practice both during Lent and beyond?
