%20SAUMC%20OCT2024.png){kind=small}
%20UMC%20Cross%20and%20Flame.png)
Going Deeper with Our Words: Lectio Divina Bible Study-Week 2
- SAUMC Office of Communications
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
For the month of August, we are excited to begin a 5-week sermon series titled Words Matter. Throughout this series, we will dive into the New Testament Book of James. This small book, reflecting wisdom from Proverbs and Jesus' teachings known as the Sermon on the Mount, repeatedly addresses how we as believers communicate with God, with one another, and with the world around us. Together, we’ll examine common communication hurdles and discover practical, Christ-centered wisdom for our everyday speech. Along the way, we’ll also integrate helpful communication tools inspired by Jefferson Fisher’s book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.
For Week 2 of our series, Words Matter, our spiritual homework was to go deeper into James 2, reading the passage using the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina (click button below for guide). Reading scripture Lectio Divina style is both a prayerful and meditative spiritual practice to help us hear God's voice, deepen our relationship with Him, and live out His Word.
The Week 2 sermon, The Tongue that Shapes Lives, gave us some food for reflection.
So, how did you do with reading James 2? In what ways did the Holy Spirit speak to you through the text?
This week, our Conversation Challenge was this: Don't match another person's emotional intensity. Always pause before you respond. A brief pause keeps words from becoming destructive.
From the workplace, social media, to family and friendships, self-regulating can be challenging in situations when emotions are running high, but it is the most helpful thing we can do during interpersonal communications; both in-person and online. Was there a situation that came up for you this week in which you made the effort to pause before responding? To first listen and understand the other person’s point of view? How did you feel? Is there anything that you would have said or done differently?
Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for reminding us that our words have the power to build up or tear down. When emotions run high, teach us to pause before we respond. Fill our hearts with Your peace so that our words reflect kindness, wisdom, and the love of Christ. May our conversations bring healing, encouragement, and hope, and may our lives be a living expression of our faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Join us in practicing to be doers of the word!
Words Matter Lectio Divina Bible Study & Practice: Click HERE to download our Words Matter sermon series Lectio Divina weekly bible study and practice.
Words Matter Sermon Series Replays: Words matter. Catch the series on YouTube and discover the power of what you say.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Charisse Jones
Director, Office of Communications
St. Andrew's UMC-Brandon
Comments