A Healing Journey –
A Life giving affirmation
Scripture: Lamentations
3:22–23
The capacity to lament in
community is almost a lost practice within the community of faith. Lamenting is
the gift that God gives to sustain us in the midst of suffering. The laments of
Scripture generally include a life-giving affirmation. Today’s passage is one
such affirmation that can nourish us on a healing journey.
“The steadfast love of the
Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every
morning; great is your faithfulness” (vv. 22–23).
The ancient Christian
practice of lectio divina, or “sacred reading,” is a wonderful way to
incorporate life-giving truth into the heart and mind. As truth fills our
subconscious minds, healing flows out.
A sacred reading includes
four phases:
Reading—the slow, expectant reading of a passage of
Scripture until a verse, phrase, or word touches you.
Reflecting—think about the phrase or word and ask,
what is it saying to me at his moment in my life?
Responding—expressing to God
what spontaneously arises in your heart in response to the phrase or word that
has touched you. This may be praise or prayers of confession, thanksgiving,
petition, or commitment.
Resting—sitting quietly as
though you are resting in the arms of your beloved. The Word had come to you in
love and new life has filled you.
Today Canadians will
celebrate their national independence. Why not celebrate your freedom from
every limitation that challenges the life of God in you. Begin with this
prayer: Lord search my heart, and cleanse my thoughts, so that you can fill me
with the truth of your Word.
Use the life-giving
affirmation in today’s text for a sacred reading. Then REST in the arms of your
Beloved.
Prayer: Lord your love for me will never
cease, and your never ending mercy is new today, and every day. Thank you for
your faithfulness to me.
The Reverend Joanne Browne Jennings
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