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Going Deeper with Our Words: Lectio Divina Bible Study-Week 5
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.
We concluded Week 5 of our series, Words Matter on August 30. Our spiritual homework was to go deeper into James 5, reading the passage using the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina (click button below for guide).
So, how did you do with reading James 5? In what ways did the Holy Spirit speak to you through the text?
The last sermon, Speaking Words That Heal, asked us to lean into our Conversation Challenge which was: Actio (Live It Out). Put what you have received into practice by living out God's message in your daily life.
No long post will be written here! Simply, use this space to reflect upon the last several weeks. With each message and scripture reading, God invited us to look at the areas of our lives where our words needed to matter more.
What is the message that the Holy Spirit is speaking to you live out? How will you carry that message into the world?
Prayer: God, thank You for meeting us through these weeks of reflection, Scripture, and conversation. You have reminded us that our words carry weight—they can heal, encourage, restore, or wound. Holy Spirit, help us live out what You have spoken to us. Give us wisdom to know what to say, courage to say what is right, and grace to let our lives speak when words are not needed. May what we have received not remain in this space, but go with us into our homes, our workplaces, our relationships, and our community. Let our words and our lives reflect Your love.
In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Let us go in peace and 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
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