top of page

Next Steps Discernment Scripture Practice

As a Council, we believe God is inviting our church to enter into a season of discernment. The decisions of Synod 2022 related to human sexuality have prompted us to ask what these decisions mean for us, for our ministry moving forward, and for our ability to love each other and live in community together despite differences of views.

​

As Council makes decisions about next steps for our church, we highly value the prayers, discernment, and insights of the entire congregation. We are inviting you to join us in a process of discernment that we hope will not only reveal our next steps but also strengthen our practice of living in authentic community with each other.

​

Before the first round of listening circles happening between February 19 and 25, we invite you to join us in reading and spending time in scripture (also known as “Lectio Divina”), a way to orient ourselves to God that has been used by Christians for centuries. This has been one of the spiritual disciplines that have become central to how we make decisions as leaders.

​

There are two different scriptures that we are asking the church to pray through. Although there are dates given for each scripture, they are there to give structure to the process, not to dictate how you must do things.

Second Scripture Passage
February 25

This traditional practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intends to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living Word; this is not an activity of analysis but of prayer. Follow the steps below for guidance.

Read

Before diving in, take a couple moments to settle into your space, hold some silence, and ask God to open your ears to hear and your heart to accept what God has for you today.

​

Now read the passage once, slowly.

Romans 12:14-18
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Read the passage again (still slowly) and then take a few minutes to consider any of the following questions:

  • What word, phrase, or image in this passage stands out to you?

  • Is there something that deeply resonates in you, or perhaps causes resistance in your spirit?

  • What feelings come to the surface?

Reflect

Read the passage a third time and then take a few minutes to consider any of the following:

  • What image or feeling comes from your phrase or word?

  • What might God be trying to say to you through this image, feeling, or word?

  • What in your life needed to hear this word today?

Respond

Read the passage a fourth (and final) time. Take a few minutes to consider:

  • Is God challenging you or inviting you to something?

  • What is your response to what you sense God is saying to you?

Rest

Take a few minutes to rest in God and enjoy God’s presence and love. Be at peace, knowing God’s grace surrounds you on every side.

You may be led to any of the following, but don't try to do too much:

  • Ask for God’s help to follow through on what was revealed to you.

  • Continue to listen as you are led into deeper meanings of this passage.

  • Express gratitude and praise for your time with God.

First Scripture Passage
February 21

This traditional practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intends to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living Word; this is not an activity of analysis but of prayer. Follow the steps below for guidance.

Read

Before diving in, take a couple moments to settle into your space, hold some silence, and ask God to open your ears to hear and your heart to accept what God has for you today.

​

Now read the passage once, slowly.

Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
It will be a healing for your flesh
and a refreshment for your body.

Read the passage again (still slowly) and then take a few minutes to consider any of the following questions:

  • What word, phrase, or image in this passage stands out to you?

  • Is there something that deeply resonates in you, or perhaps causes resistance in your spirit?

  • What feelings come to the surface?

Reflect

Read the passage a third time and then take a few minutes to consider any of the following:

  • What image or feeling comes from your phrase or word?

  • What might God be trying to say to you through this image, feeling, or word?

  • What in your life needed to hear this word today?

Respond

Read the passage a fourth (and final) time. Take a few minutes to consider:

  • Is God challenging you or inviting you to something?

  • What is your response to what you sense God is saying to you?

Rest

Take a few minutes to rest in God and enjoy God’s presence and love. Be at peace, knowing God’s grace surrounds you on every side.

You may be led to any of the following, but don't try to do too much:

  • Ask for God’s help to follow through on what was revealed to you.

  • Continue to listen as you are led into deeper meanings of this passage.

  • Express gratitude and praise for your time with God.

bottom of page