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Beloved Friends,
Today we gently lengthen our silence to 5 minutes as we enter into the first full week of Lent.
If you would like to share this experience of sacred silence in community, we will be gathering live via Zoom today at 12:15 Eastern Time (please adjust for your time zone). Simply click here or on the link above to join the gathering. If you have any difficulties connecting, text me at 216-224-7452 for assistance.
I will offer a few words of reflection, share today's Lectio Divina reading, and then we will enter into sacred silence for 5 minutes together. You may simply sit quietly, journal, sip on some hot cocoa, or do whatever helps you find your sacred center amidst the silence. During the final minute of our shared silence, I will invite folks to share any prayers or reflections they would like in the chat. After we conclude our 5 minutes of silent prayer, you are free to return to the activities of your day or remain on for a few minutes longer to share in conversation with others who are on this sacred journey as well.
A link to the recording of each prayer session will be included in the next day's email and will also be available on the Lengthening Silence web page.
As we progress through this Lengthening Silence, you will begin to see a rhythm to these daily emails. Mondays and Thursdays will be Lectio Divina. Tuesdays and Fridays will be Visio Divina. Wednesdays and Saturdays will be Audio Divina. And, Sundays will be Sabbath rest.
I will continue to include the same introductory words for each of these spiritual practices that were sent last week. So if you need a gentle reminder of how to engage in the prayer practice for the day, the words are there for you. If not, you can simply skip down to the focus for your silent reflection (reading, image or audio clip) that will be new each day.
Today, I invite you to explore the practice of Lectio Divina (sacred reading) as the focus for your silent prayer. Lectio Divina is an invitation to read slowly, savor the writing and listen with your heart for a particular word (or short phrase) that shimmers for you when you read it. Allow these words to be your companion as you pray. Read them aloud. Hold them on your heart. Chat with God about what they might mean for you today. Journal briefly about your reflections if you feel so moved. But, most importantly, keep it simple. Don't overthink - this is a spiritual practice of the heart, not the head. Simply be still and know that God is with you. Understanding comes slowly (if at all!). Be patient and trust in the slow work of God.
Here is today's short Lectio Divina suggestion for your 5 minutes of silence. Feel free to read it slowly several times as the words soak gently into your spirit.
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Mark 1:35
Be encouraged in your gently growing practice of silent prayer as you tune out the noise around you and tune in to God's Presence. Remember that you are part of a broad and beloved community of faithful folks who are also nurturing the gifts of simplicity and stillness this Lenten season. Let us lift one another in prayer as we journey together into the sacred silence...
Your Companion in Silence,
Sharon
Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Director, Belly of the Whale Ministries
216-224-7452
sharon@bellyofthewhaleministries.net
www.bellyofthewhaleministries.net
P.S. Many beautiful reflections have been written about the sacred practice of Lectio Divina. If you are interested in learning more, I suggest you begin your journey with this website and then follow where the Spirit nudges... http://www.centeringprayer.com/lectio_divina.html
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