Good morning!
As we anticipate our Advent journey toward Bethlehem and the stable, we strive to deepen our capacity to listen for God.
Our journey through pandemic has been disorienting, unsettled. Many unknowns mark each step we take.
During Friday Prayer these next weeks we will be praying with the ancient prophet Isaiah’s words as recorded in Isaiah 9: 1-7.
Drawing upon the practice of lectio divina we approach Scripture, with anticipation that God will speak to us.
We hear the text read aloud, letting it soak in as we take time for silent reflection.
The text is read a second time aloud. This time we are attentive to a word that may stand out, perhaps a phrase, an image or a question.
Following a time of silent listening we share with one another that which we have heard.
Lectio divina is a life-giving spiritual practice. All are invited to join in from 11:30 – noon.
Isaiah 9: 1-7
But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
May God’s Spirit bless us in our Advent journey,
Pastor Kara