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Conference Leadership Team devotes Friday morning to lectio divina
June 7, 2019 / By Kathleen Christiansen
The Upper New York Conference Leadership Team led a Devotional Friday morning devoted to scripture reading for lectio divina. In his introduction, the Rev. Harold Wheat shared some information from, “our friends at the Upper Room.”
“One of our most central and ancient practices of Christian prayer is Praying the Scriptures (lectio divina, or divine reading),” he said. “We read unhurriedly so that we can for the message God has for us there. We stay alert to connections the Spirit may reveal between the passage and what is going on in our lives.”
Drew Griffin told the crowd to get into a comfortable position and relax before Erinn Gould-Norris read Isaiah 43:15-19, followed by a one-minute pause. Erinn then invited everyone to turn to their neighbors and share the word or image lifted to their hearts by the Spirit.
After three minutes, the Rev. Rebecca Laird explained that they would repeat the process.
“This time as you listen to the scripture, you are invited to reflect on what hope this scripture is rising within you,” she said. “What hope does it offer you as a leader for our Annual Conference and disciples of Christ.”
Valerie Clark re-read the scripture, paused, and then asked attendees to discuss.
The Rev. Drew Sperry invited everyone to stand, hold hands, and pray silently.
“This prayer can be focused on the insights you have had from this time of devotion or for people who are in your hearts,” Rev. Sperry said. “Let it be whatever you need it to be in this place and time.”
The Devotional ended with a closing prayer (United Methodist Hymnal, No. 401): “In [our] heart[s], above all else, let love and integrity envelope [us] until love is no longer in conflict with Thy Spirit.”