A TIME OF PRAYER: LISTENING FOR DIVINE SPARKS IN OUR MIDST
Only God Gives the Growth
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. Grant that, by the operation of the Holy Spirit, we your followers may be joined together in unity and peace, and that we may be a holy temple acceptable to you. We pray that as we, and others, plant seeds and bring water, you will bless our efforts and bring forth a bountiful harvest. May your hand be upon every seed that is sown and every drop of water that is poured. We trust in your faithfulness to bring growth and abundance in all areas of our lives and the lives of our parishes. Thank you for providing the inspiration and means for fulfilling your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
LISTEN
1 Corinthians 3:4-13a “Only God Gives the Growth”
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
This month we commend to you our very own diocesan manual on how to get involved in contextual mission in our parishes. Engaging in Contextual Mission: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parishes “provides a simple approach to engaging effectively in contextual mission, with the support of diocesan resources.” It helps us understand that “contextual mission is a journey, not a project”, and suggests eight clear steps on this journey.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our Diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
What does a new worshiping community look like in British Columbia’s most secular city? How about a nightclub church? UpperLVL Worship in Nanaimo, BC is the brainchild of Austin Penner, lay pastor and DJ, and Rev. Jeremy Bellsmith, lead pastor. Hosted in a nightclub on Sunday evenings, UpperLVL Worship is “passionate in creating a welcoming space for people to experience the awesomeness of God together, while building genuine relationships… where [participants] can hit the dance floor together for floor shaking faith-fuelled EDM and hip-hop DJ sets, and participate in thoughtful and open discussions where questions are encouraged as we navigate Biblical messages shared from our growing team of community pastors.”
Philip and the Ethiopian
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Holy Spirit we celebrate your life in us. Increase our awareness of this power for your service. Open our eyes and ears to the needs of those you put before us, and use us as your hands and feet. Give us courage to open conversations with those we meet, regardless of their appearance, belief, and status; give us your words to say. Grant us discernment to understand the yearnings of hearts and wisdom to know how to help those who seek to understand your Gospel. Help us to be light to your world. Keep us open to the adventure of life where we meet you day by day. Remind us of the need to be open to how you are moving in our midst and in the lives of those both in the mainstream and on the margins. Guide us by your Spirit to those you have already prepared to receive the Good News of your Kingdom. Amen.
LISTEN
Acts 8:26-31,34-38 “Philip and the Ethiopian”
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
This month we offer a commentary by Douglas Bratt via the Center for Excellence in Preaching on how we are called to share the Good News with those who don’t share our neighbourhood, income bracket, age demographic, or other characteristic we choose to define ourselves by.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our Diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
In the August, 2024 edition of the Anglican Journal, Sean Frankling writes about how some of the parishes in our wider church have begun welcoming newcomers’ desires to believe and belong, the key being the reversal of the order of these two important components of a new life of faith.
The Mission of the Seventy
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Almighty God, thank you for the faithful service of those you appointed to go ahead of you to spread your love and your message to those around them. We pray that you would help us to do our part to continue sharing your love and message to those around us: in our parishes and community where you have put us. Guide us to the places where you want us to go and bless our efforts to further your kingdom here on earth. In your holy name we pray, Amen.
LISTEN
Luke 10:1-11 “The Mission of the Seventy”
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds and facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
This month we offer two resources for reflection. The first is a sermon by the Rev. Canon Ken Davis preached on the most recent Indigenous Day of Prayer on how we might try and separate the flawed efforts of our predecessors with the one true faith that God offers us through Christ. The second is an episode of Faith+Lead’s Pivot podcast on how we are already equipped to disciple others just as we are, and it is often simpler than we expect: “Listen to them, hear their heart, learn their cultural concerns, and take it from there.”
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our Diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
Paul Dumbrille is our diocesan Anglican Fellowship of Prayer representative. In this short article, he reflects on how our hymns can and should support and encourage our discipleship.
Feeding the Five Thousand
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
O God of Love, your compassion fails none you created. Thank you for Jesus Christ and his example of a life that demonstrates how to live our daily discipleship. May we be instruments of your love, bringing you the pains of the sick, the injured, the weary, the heavy laden, those in sorrow or darkness, the hungry and weak. Grant us loving hearts and ready hands to help serve those in need among us. May our willingness to serve show our love and gratitude to you, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Amen.
LISTEN
Matthew 14:13-21 “Feeding the Five Thousand”
PowerPoint Slides you can modify and edit
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
Feeding the Five Thousand: You Give them Something to Eat
A Theological Reflection by the Rev. Elizabeth December
This month features an invitation to reflect on how we are called to do God’s work with the resources we already have.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our Diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
This short video introduces Invested Faith, an American non-profit fund that receives religious assets and offers small grants to faith-rooted entrepreneurs changing unjust systems. It’s an example of using existing church resources, both from communities reaching the end of their formal institutional lives and from thriving communities, to fund new faith-based social justice initiatives.
Becoming Disciples
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Heavenly Creator, thank you that we have been placed into the Body of Christ by faith. May we draw on the example of those faithful disciples who obeyed your Word. We pray that, like them, we may devote ourselves to apostolic teaching, Christian fellowship, the breaking of bread and earnest prayer. May we seek to share the truth of the glorious gospel of the grace of God with everyone we meet, in humility and love. This we ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
LISTEN
Acts 2:41-47 “Becoming Disciples”
PowerPoint Slides you can modify and edit
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
Acts 2 and our Baptismal Covenant
A series of questions for consideration by The Rev. Canon Ken Davis
This month features an invitation to reflect on how the Bible passage being highlighted intersects with our baptismal covenant. Take some time to read and meditate on the passage and on our baptismal covenant then spend some time with the questions offered at the end of this document.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our Diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
In this Perspective article, our Diocese donates $75,000 to support Indigenous housing on LeBreton Flats in downtown Ottawa. The funds for the donation came from sale of the Christ Church Maniwaki property and is an example of “distribut[ing] the proceeds” of our communities of faith to those who have need [Acts 2:45].
Opportunity Knocks
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
God of opportunity, you want to be in relationship with us, your creatures. You desire justice and peace. You never force yourself upon us, but invite us to join with you in co-creating a more just and peaceful world. Help us to hear your invitations, be they whispered or loud, and encourage us to respond to them with enthusiasm, joy and energy. We pray all this in the name of your Son, our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.
LISTEN
Rev 3:20-4:2 “Opportunity Knocks”
PowerPoint Slides you can modify and edit
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
Light of the World – A Painting by William Holman Hunt
This “triumph of spiritual art” from around 1851 depicts the verses we are focussing on this month. In this fascinating 7-minute video, we hear that the “artist challenges the viewer to open the door to Christ to banish the fears of living in a dark world.” You can read more about the painting in this article from Aleteia and in another from St. Paul’s Cathedral where another version of the painting hangs.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
In this article, Paul Dumbrille and the Rev. Elizabeth December explain how Julian of Norwich partners with two local not-for-profit associations for the benefit of all involved.
New Life
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Amazing God, you have fulfilled the word of your promise and have poured out upon your church the gift of the Holy Spirit: open our hearts and renew our will. We pray to receive the fullness of your grace and power; that our lives and that of our parishes would be strengthened for the service of your kingdom to which we are being called. Kindle in us the fire of your love that we may be transformed into the image of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
LISTEN
Acts 2:1-21 “New Life”
PowerPoint Slides you can modify and edit
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
Homelessness in Ottawa – Where we Stand
In this deputation to the City of Ottawa’s Planning and Housing Committee, local organization the Alliance to End Homelessness summarizes the current situation in Ottawa and expresses what is needed going forward to address this social emergency.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
In this article, David Humphreys writes about how an unexpected bequest from the late John Hollyer, a former Christ Church Bells Corners parishioner, served as the catalyst for an ambitious affordable housing project built and recently opened on CCBC property.
United One in Heart and Soul
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Living God, we thank you that through the resurrection of Jesus our lives and ministries are transformed. Give us humble and obedient hearts, that we may receive what you have made known to us. May we be bold in serving you and bringing your Good News to our communities. Help us to share of ourselves and our possessions with one another and especially with people in need. Amen.
LISTEN
Acts 4:32-35 – United “One in Heart and Soul”
Bible Study Guide
PowerPoint Slides you can modify and edit
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
Being a “church socialist” – a reflection by Lutheran pastor and author Nadia Bolz Weber.
How should new church plants and initiatives be funded? In this article, Lutheran pastor and author Nadia Bolz Weber reflects on her experience of existing systems and how they could be improved to better reflect the Gospel and how the early church lived.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
In this article, the Rev. Michael Garner talks about St. Albans’ efforts to address food insecurity on the University of Ottawa campus. Michael adds: “When I started as a Chaplain at uOttawa in August 2022, St. Albans endeavoured to listen to students, listen in prayer, listen as a congregation. It took a whole academic year of listening until the need on campus revealed itself – student hunger. After the revelation of the need, it was after another five or six months of thinking, praying, talking, and beginning to advocate that first steps in responding to the revealed need emerged. It is through taking the time to pray and consider and discern that we have found ourselves more and more aligned with the work God is seeking to do in our midst. And now having taken the first small steps, we are finding ourselves acting in the midst of the doxology many of us say every week at the end of our liturgy.”
The Great Commission
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
As we engage in A Time of Prayer across our diocese to listen for your divine sparks in our midst, we remember that you, O God, have been with your church since its beginning. You are with us now, and you will be with us as we prayerfully discern how to support your action in the world you love. Help us keep our hearts and minds open to hear your desires for our diocesan church, our parish, and our communities, and give us your wisdom and grace so that we can faithfully bring them to fruition. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
LISTEN
Matthew 28:16-20 The “Great Commission”
PowerPoint Slides you can modify and edit
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
“Mission” in the Gospel of Matthew
In the liturgical cycle, the past year focused on the Gospel of Matthew. In his seminal book Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission, author David J. Bosch provides an insightful analysis of the unique ways in which Matthew has framed his concept of “mission” throughout his gospel account.
This backgrounder is a summary of some of Bosch’s observations.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
In this brief interview, the Ven. Mark Whittall talks about his experience launching a new worshipping community at St. Alban’s in downtown Ottawa and how that experience might inform the discernment of other parishes in our diocese.
Choose Life
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention for their prayer groups.
Living God, as we listen for your divine sparks in our midst, strengthen us for your service by your grace. Help us remember that we are like trees planted by your life-giving water and keep our hearts and minds open to hear your desires for our diocesan church, our parish, and our community. Give us your wisdom so that we might bear fruit worthy of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
LISTEN
Psalm 1
PowerPoint Slides you can modify and edit
A Time of Prayer is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world. The bible study guide and accompanying slides present a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
The guide and slides contain opening and closing prayers, the scripture passage, reflection questions to stimulate discussion and links to some brief commentaries on the passage.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer. These resources can also be used to open meetings or groups in the community such as Parish Council.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
What does data tell us about the religious landscape in Canada?
This Statistics Canada infographic depicts the most current picture of the state of religion in Canada.
Here is a summary of researcher Louis Cornelissen’s Statistics Canada Insights on Canadian Society analysis, an examination of overarching trends in religiosity in Canada between 1985 and 2019 based on data from the General Social Survey.
The brief overview provides insights on the key findings about the diverse relationships Canadians have with religion and includes a link to the fuller report for more detailed graphs, charts and analysis.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
In this brief video, Kitty Galt of Epiphany Anglican Church tells the inspiring story of the origins in 1983 of what would become Cornerstone Housing for Women. It is a testament to the fruitfulness of humble yet determined efforts to serve others in the local community!
Enriched by God
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Wondrous God, we praise you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit which you continue to shower upon us. Help us to be faithful disciples of all that Jesus taught us. Inspire us to look out into our world with Jesus’ loving eyes as we seek to discern your divine sparks around us. Guide us so that we understand how you want us to be messengers of your good news in our communities and our diocese. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LISTEN
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
How are we enabled by the Holy Spirit for discipleship?
In her book Introducing the Practice of Ministry, Kathleen A. Cahalan argues that “ministry” is a shared call to active discipleship on the part of all baptised members of the Body of Christ. The good news is that in the mystery of baptism the Spirit ensures we “are not lacking in any spiritual gift” (1 Cor 1:7) needed to faithfully embody the personal and collective discipleship to which Jesus calls us in support of God’s mission.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
The Birth of Jesus Foretold
PRAY
Individuals and parishes are asked to pray for God’s wisdom as we listen for how God calls us to engage in the world. Here is a suggested prayer for the coming month. Parishes are invited to include this in their Prayers of the People and as an intention of their prayer groups.
Creator God, as we listen for your divine sparks in our midst, we await the Incarnation of your beloved Jesus with wonder and thanksgiving and are inspired by Mary’s “yes” to your divine will. You send your Son to proclaim the good news of your kingdom to all people, and to urge them to turn to you with confidence in your steadfast love. Help us through your grace to hear and understand how you wish us to be sent into your world to support your loving action in our communities and in our diocese. As Jesus is sent by you, show us the path you wish us to pursue. We ask this in the name of the infant, Emmanuel, our Saviour. Amen.
LISTEN
Luke 1:26-38 The Birth of Jesus Foretold
Given that this prayer initiative is a Spirit-led time of listening to how God is calling our diocesan church and parishes to cooperate with God’s loving action in the world, the guide supporting the monthly bible study suggests a Lectio Divina approach to animate reflection.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice in the church which combines an attentive reading and praying of a Scripture passage with periods of silence to create space for the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.
In addition to prayers to open and close the bible study and instructions to lead the Lectio Divina, the guide also contains some reflection questions to stimulate discussion, as well as links to some brief commentaries on the passage which may also be illuminating.
Parishes are encouraged to bring together people who feel called to listen for divine sparks in their parishes and local communities to share in A Time of Prayer.
Capturing important reflections as they emerge from the monthly bible study will enable a fuller discernment as this prayer initiative unfolds, as well as facilitate participation in diocesan-wide meetings for prayer and sharing of insights.
CONSIDER
How was Jesus’ theology incarnational? And what does that say to us?
In his thought-provoking book Doing Local Theology: A Guide for Artisans of a New Humanity, Clemens Sedmak presents “fifty theses” about why and how followers of Jesus need to interpret God in a way that embodies their own time and their own place, just as Jesus did in his public ministry. In this sense, the church, the Body of Christ, is incarnated afresh in every local context. This backgrounder summarizes a selection of Sedmak’s arguments.
INSPIRE
How have other parishes approached contextual mission and the creation of new worshipping communities? These examples from our diocese, as well as other parts of Canada and the world are offered as food for thought.
Diocesan Pilot Projects: Trinity House and St. Jimmy’s Table