On The Way. { Six Week Spiritual Discernment Preparation } Written & Illustrated by Leo Hartshorn

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1 On The Way { Six Week Spiritual Discernment Preparation } Written & Illustrated by Leo Hartshorn Purpose This resource is designed to prepare individuals to be open to listening to God through a discipline of spiritual discernment. This will further prepare individuals to be open to listening to one another. As a discipline of discernment, it is not meant to reinforce our current perspectives, though it may. Its primary purpose is to listen to and encounter God in our daily lives. The hope is that through this discipline of spiritual preparation we will be open to God s surprises and unexpected movements within our souls. When we seek the voice of God beyond our own internal voices, we can also become open to hearing the voice of God within ourselves and within others and realize the church is on a journey together to undiscovered spiritual territory where God may be leading us. One key question for our spiritual discernment is: Where is God leading us as a people? Introduction The church is encouraged to use this six week spiritual discernment resource in preparation for the Mennonite Church USA convention gathering in Kansas City, MO, June 30 to July 5, Significant dialogue and decision-making will be taking place that calls for God s people to seek God s will for the future of the church. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 1

2 Through spiritual discernment and preparation, our hope is to move beyond simply coming together to press for our own perspectives to dominate the church, but to seek the will of God together for the church in all its diversity. We will need to spiritually prepare ourselves to release our individual wills to the will of God for our people. This calls for the practices of prayer, letting go or surrender of ourselves and our wills, openness to listening to God, reading and reflecting on Scripture, silent meditation, and confession of our own sins. Format This resource is set within a six week format and available in English and Spanish. There is one set of spiritual disciplines for each of the six weeks. Each day of the week, the disciplines for that week are to be repeated. Each day contains: 1. An illustration for visualizing prayer 2. Theme and theme sentence 3. Preparation 4. Opening prayer 5. Candle lighting or some symbolic act in recognition of Christ s presence 6. Psalm reading 7. Prayer of abandonment which will be used throughout the six weeks 8. Reading from Luke 24 with Gospel Meditation for each day of the week 9. Silence and listening to God 5 to 15 minutes, increasing the time each week 10. Prayer of confession 11. Affirmation of faith 12. Lord s Prayer 13. A rumination question for reflection/contemplation during the week 14. An additional spiritual practice for each the week. Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version. Dwelling in the Word The ancient Benedictine spiritual practice of lexio divina, or divine reading, is a means to meditate and pray with the scriptures. It is more of a tool of meditation for deeper spirituality than to gain knowledge for greater understanding. The practice involves four steps; reading (lexio), meditating (meditatio or reflecting on the meaning), praying (oratio or giving voice to the meaning in prayer), and contemplating (contemplatio or letting the meaning soak in). In this six week guide for spiritual discernment, the same scripture is intentionally repeated each day to provide an opportunity to fully dwell in the Word. The four traditional steps are helpful in assisting to go deeply into the spiritual meaning of the Gospel text. After the Gospel Reading, there are different meditation questions or suggestions for each day of the week to provide an alternative angle for each day s Gospel reading. These meditation questions and suggestions may be incorporated into your time of prayer. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 2

3 Week One ~ The Way of New Life The resurrection of Christ sets us on our journey together along the way Preparation Find a comfortable and quiet place free of distractions. Have the sheet of the week s spiritual disciplines in hand. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths. Breathe in with the words of the Jesus Prayer, Lord, have mercy. Breathe out with the words, Christ, have mercy. Let go of the concerns and worries of the day with each exhale. Sit in the silence for a minute or two. Opening Prayer God of Grace, Lord of the Church, Spirit of Wisdom, I enter your presence with praise and thanksgiving. I praise you for being the very foundation of all that exists. Thank you for your goodness and grace which sustains my life this and every day. I remember my brothers and sisters in Christ whose prayers ascend with my own throughout this day. Open my ears to hear your voice. Open my mind to your wisdom that transcends my own. Open my heart to be reshaped by your will and purpose for me and for your people, the church. In the power and name of Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen. Symbolic Act Perform a simple, symbolic act in acknowledgement of Christ s presence. If you light a candle, you might recite these words: Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, to which indeed I was called into one body (Colossians 3:15). Another symbolic act might be to stand and face north, south, east, and west with the words Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ beside me. Christ within me. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 3

4 Or simply raise your arms to heaven and say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me bless God s holy name (Psalm 103:1). Psalm Reading Psalm 46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved. God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth; He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Prayer of Abandonment God with open arms, I abandon my will to yours. I surrender myself to you and your purposes for me and for your church. I let go of all that would hinder me from being the person you have called me to be and from being the church you have called from out of the world. I open myself to your divine voice. Into your hands, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, I place your church. Amen. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 4

5 Scripture Reading Luke 24:1-12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again. Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 Gospel Meditation Day One: What does the first day of the week, the day of Christian worship, mean to me? Day Two: What kinds of stones block my heart from new life or keep me trapped in death? Day Three: When have I encountered God s messengers (angelos=messenger) in my life? Day Four: What does the message Christ is risen! mean to my life? Day Five: In what ways can I be a witness to the good news of Christ s resurrection? Day Six: When have I not believed the witness of a brother or sister in Christ? Day Seven: What evidence does it sometimes take for me to believe that Christ is alive and with me? On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 5

6 Silent Meditation Spend 5 minutes in silent meditation. You might enter into the silence meditating slowly on this phrase from Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. After a moment of silence, shorten the phrase to: Be still and know that I am. Again, after a moment of silence: Be still and know. Then, be still. And finally, be. Enter the silence. Prayer of Confession Forgiving God, I confess that too often I have not believed the witness of others. I have doubted the sincerity of my brothers and sisters in Christ who see things differently from me. I have not simply questioned their perspectives, but also their motives. Because of strongly held beliefs, I have placed members of your church in the position of enemy. Forgive me when I have shut my ears to the voice of others, even when it may be painful to listen. Forgive me when I have shut my heart and mind to the truths that others bring to the table of Christian fellowship. Break the bow and shatter the spears of enmity within your church. In the name of the Risen Christ I pray. Amen. Assurance of Faith If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Lord s Prayer Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Reflection Question for the Week Ruminate on ( chew on ) the following question throughout the week as you work, play, and pray: Where do I see the presence of Christ in others? Spiritual Practice A spiritual discipline that might be included in this week of preparation relates to the reflection question of the week. Practicing the Presence is a continuing prayerful mindfulness of God s presence in your daily life. Allow your work, recreation, daily duties, and human interactions to become moments of prayer and awareness of God. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 6

7 Week Two ~ On a Journey Together We are on a journey together with Christ at our side Preparation Find a comfortable and quiet place free of distractions. Have the sheet of the week s spiritual disciplines in hand. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths. Breathe in with the words of the Jesus Prayer, Lord, have mercy. Breathe out with the words, Christ, have mercy. Let go of the concerns and worries of the day with each exhale. Sit in the silence for a minute or two. Opening Prayer Come, Refreshing Spirit, renew my soul as you renew each day with the sunrise. Wash over me like water quenching my thirst for your sacred presence. Spirit of unity, draw your people together with your binding power. Blow your breath of life on your church scattered across the face of the earth, so that we might be a living witness to one God, one Lord, one Spirit, one faith. Amen. Symbolic Act Perform a simple symbolic act in acknowledgement of Christ s presence. If you light a candle, you might recite these words: Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, to which indeed I was called into On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 7

8 one body (Colossians 3:15). Another symbolic act might be to stand and face north, south, east, and west with the words Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ beside me. Christ within me. Or simply raise your arms to heaven and say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me bless God s holy name (Psalm 103:1). Psalm Reading Psalm 133 How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD ordained his blessing, life forevermore. Prayer of Abandonment God with open arms, I abandon my will to yours. I surrender myself to you and your purposes for me and for your church. I let go of all that would hinder me from being the person you have called me to be and from being the church you have called from out of the world. I open myself to your divine voice. Into your hands, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, I place your church. Amen. Scripture Reading Luke 24:13-27 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, What are you discussing with each other while you walk along? They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days? He asked them, What things? They replied, The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 8

9 just as the women had said; but they did not see him. Then he said to them, Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory? Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 Gospel Meditation Day One: When have my eyes not recognized the presence of Christ on my daily journey? Day Two: Reflect on: when have I recognized the presence of Christ in conversation with friends? Day Three: How do I feel about sharing the story of Jesus with strangers? Day Four: Reflect on: when was a time I was foolish and slow to believe the promises of Scripture? Day Five: Meditate on the sufferings and glory of Christ. Day Six: Pray for all those who will be making the journey together to the Mennonite USA convention. Day Seven: Reflect on a time when Scripture was interpreted in such a way as to make Christ alive to me. Silent Meditation Spend 7 minutes in silent meditation. You might enter into the silence meditating slowly this phrase from Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. After a moment of silence, shorten the phrase to: Be still and know that I am. Again, after a moment of silence: Be still and know. Then, be still. And finally, be. Enter the silence. Prayer of Confession How slow of heart we have been to believe all that your contemporary prophets have declared, O God! As the disciples found it hard to hear the word of a suffering Messiah, we have rebelled against the truths your prophets have declared for our day and time. Forgive us for too easily taking the road of conflict and division rather than the road of common fellowship with Christ. We pray in the name of our one Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 9

10 Assurance of Faith Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. John 17:11 Lord s Prayer Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Reflection Question for the Week Ruminate on ( chew on ) the following question throughout the week as you work, play, and pray: What acts of reconciliation can I perform to assist in bringing unity to the church? Spiritual Practice In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that if we bring our gift before the altar and remember that a brother or sister in Christ has something against us, first, be reconciled with them, then come and offer your gift (Matthew 7:23-24). Reconciliation precedes and supersedes acts of worship! Before sharing in the gift of your daily devotion, your Sunday worship, or the upcoming Mennonite Church USA gathering, go to a person with whom you are at odds and seek to be reconciled. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 10

11 Week Three ~ Communion with Christ along The Way Christ feeds us with heavenly manna along our journey together Preparation Find a comfortable and quiet place free of distractions. Have the sheet of the week s spiritual disciplines in hand. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths. Breathe in with the words of the Jesus Prayer, Lord, have mercy. Breathe out with the words, Christ, have mercy. Let go of the concerns and worries of the day with each exhale. Sit in the silence for a minute or two. Opening Prayer God of Holy Manna, feed me with the bread of your presence. May this time of prayer and meditation fill my spirit until I hunger no more. Remind me that I am in union and communion with your church as they pray. I do not pray alone. Your Spirit intercedes on my behalf. Intercede also for your church and its witness in the world. May we be one as the bread of communion is one. For the sake of your reign in this world and the world to come, we pray. Amen. Symbolic Act Perform a simple symbolic act in acknowledgement of Christ presence. If you light a candle, you might recite these words: Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, to which indeed I was called into one body (Colossians 3:15). Another symbolic act might be to stand and face north, south, east, and west with the words Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ beside me. Christ within me. Simply raise your arms to heaven and say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me bless God s holy name (Psalm 103:1) Or set a broken loaf or piece of bread near your worship On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 11

12 space to remind you of Christ s presence and the presence of Christ s body, the church. Pray over the bread: As this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and then, when gathered, became one loaf, so may your church be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom, O God. Didache, 2 nd century. Psalm Reading Psalm 78:18-29a They tested God in their heart by demanding the food they craved. They spoke against God, saying, Can God spread a table in the wilderness? Even though he struck the rock so that water gushed out and torrents overflowed, can he also give bread, or provide meat for his people? Therefore, when the Lord heard, he was full of rage; a fire was kindled against Jacob, his anger mounted against Israel, because they had no faith in God, and did not trust his saving power. Yet he commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven; he rained down on them manna to eat, and gave them the grain of heaven. Mortals ate of the bread of angels; he sent them food in abundance. He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and by his power he led out the south wind; he rained flesh upon them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas; he let them fall within their camp, all around their dwellings. And they ate and were well filled Prayer of Abandonment God with open arms, I abandon my will to yours. I surrender myself to you and your purposes for me and for your church. I let go of all that would hinder me from being the person you have called me to be and from being the church you have called from out of the world. I open myself to your divine voice. Into your hands, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, I place your church. Amen. Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea; On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 12

13 Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord; My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word! (May be sung or read) Hymnal: A Worship Book, 360 Scripture Reading Luke 24:28-35 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. There is more light and truth yet to break forth from God s holy Word. John Robinson, Gospel Meditation Day One: Meditate on the meaning of the words Stay with me as a prayer to the Risen Christ. Day Two: How do I recognize the presence of Christ at every meal I share? Day Three: Reflect on the meaning of the bread as Christ s body given for me and the church. Day Four: Reflect on the meaning of cup as Christ s blood shed for me and the church. Day Five: Pray that God would make this scripture burn in my heart as I walk through this week. Day Six: Meditate on how the proclamation, The Lord is risen indeed, can make each day Easter. Day Seven: When has the presence of Christ become particularly real for me in communion? On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 13

14 Silent Meditation Spend 9 minutes in silent meditation. You might enter into the silence meditating slowly this phrase from Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. After a moment of silence, shorten the phrase to: Be still and know that I am. Again, after a moment of silence: Be still and know. Then, be still. And finally, be. Enter the silence. Prayer of Confession Free us, Liberating God, from the chains of a bitter, complaining spirit. Forgive us for desiring the manna of the flesh over the bread of heaven. Forgive us for not trusting you through the desert places of our lives and the rough roads along the journey of the church. We long to see the promised land of your blessings of the fruits of peace, joy, faith, hope, and love. Amen. Assurance of Faith Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 Lord s Prayer Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Reflection Question for the Week Ruminate on ( chew on ) the trustful turnaround of the question from the opening psalm throughout the week as you work, play, and pray: How will God spread a table in the wilderness? In other words, ponder how you can trust that God will provide for you and for the church in even the most barren and desperate of circumstances. Spiritual Practice Bake or buy a special loaf of bread. Pray that God might bless the bread as a symbol of Christ s selfgiving love. Share the loaf of bread with a friend, an enemy, a homeless or elderly person as a simple act of charity, friendship, and kindness. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 14

15 Week Four ~ Peace along The Way Christ s peace is with us as we walk our journey together Preparation Find a comfortable and quiet place free of distractions. Have the sheet of the week s spiritual disciplines in hand. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths. Breathe in with the words of the Jesus Prayer, Lord, have mercy. Breathe out with the words, Christ, have mercy. Let go of the concerns and worries of the day with each exhale. Sit in the silence for a minute or two. Opening Prayer Blessed be your name, O Lord! I will praise you for your many gracious gifts this day! For the sunshine and rain, for food and shelter, for life and strength, for salvation and wholeness, for family and friends, for your church here and around the world, bless your holy name! I will not forget your bounteous blessings. Shine the light of your gracious presence upon me in my time of prayer and meditation. Make me a light reflecting your goodness within my world, I pray, for the sake of Christ. Amen. Symbolic Act Perform a simple symbolic act in acknowledgement of Christ presence. If you light a candle, you might recite these words: Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, to which indeed I was called into one body (Colossians 3:15). Another symbolic act might be to stand and face north, south, east, and west with the words Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ beside me. Christ within me. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 15

16 Or simply raise your arms to heaven and say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me bless God s holy name (Psalm 103:1). Psalm Reading Psalm 103:1-7 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle s. The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. Prayer of Abandonment God with open arms, I abandon my will to yours. I surrender myself to you and your purposes for me and for your church. I let go of all that would hinder me from being the person you have called me to be and from being the church you have called from out of the world. I open myself to your divine voice. Into your hands, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, I place your church. Amen. Scripture Reading Luke 24:36-43 While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have. And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, Have you anything here to eat? They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 Gospel Meditation Day One: Imagine Christ speaking the words, Peace be with you, until my heart is at peace. Day Two: Reflect on a recent moment when I was frightened or in doubt and silently pray, The peace of Christ be with me. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 16

17 Day Three: What prayers or practices can I perform this week to keep my inner peace? Day Four: What prayers or practices can I perform this week to make peace in my community and world? Day Five: How can I be an instrument of peace in my church? Day Six: How might God be offering peace to Mennonite Church USA through the power of the Risen Christ? Day Seven: Contemplate the presence of Christ offering peace at the Mennonite Church USA convention. Pray for that peace. Silent Meditation Spend 11 minutes in silent meditation. You might enter into the silence meditating slowly this phrase from Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. After a moment of silence, shorten the phrase to: Be still and know that I am. Again, after a moment of silence: Be still and know. Then, be still. And finally, be. Enter the silence. Prayer of Confession God, in your presence I acknowledge my doubts and fears, my blaming and accusations, my lack of love and compassion for others. I hold on to my anger and let go of mercy. I have been too quick to judge and too slow to forgive. Blot out my transgressions and renew a right spirit within me. Have mercy upon me, your child. Extend your grace to all your children. Amen. Assurance of Faith Psalm 103:8-13 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. Lord s Prayer Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 17

18 Reflection Question for the Week Ruminate on ( chew on ) this question throughout the week as you work, play, and pray: How can I incarnate (live out in the flesh) the peace of Christ? Spiritual Practice During moments of fear, doubt, anxiety, frustration, or anger, stop what you are doing and imagine the Risen Christ coming into your situation, where you are. Picture his physical presence near you with arms extended as if to embrace you. Hear him speaking these comforting words to you, Peace, be with you. Imagine he repeats the words to you as you let go of your negative feelings and enter a peaceful state of mind and spirit. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 18

19 Week Five ~ The Word for the Journey Jesus opens the Word afresh to us when we journey together Preparation Find a comfortable and quiet place free of distractions. Have the sheet of the week s spiritual disciplines in hand. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths. Breathe in with the words of the Jesus Prayer, Lord, have mercy. Breathe out with the words, Christ, have mercy. Let go of the concerns and worries of the day with each exhale. Sit in the silence for a minute or two. Opening Prayer Your Word, O Lord, is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to discern your will and your word for me and my church. May these spiritual practices I am engaged in open my mind and heart to hear your Word and the words of others. Grant me patience and a merciful spirit. Through the grace and mercy of Christ I pray. Amen. Symbolic Act Perform a simple symbolic act in acknowledgement of Christ presence. If you light a candle, you might recite these words: Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, to which indeed I was called into one body (Colossians 3:15). Another symbolic act might be to stand and face north, south, east, and west with the words Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ beside me. Christ within me. Simply raise your arms to heaven and say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me bless God s holy name (Psalm 103:1). Or place an open Bible before you, reciting the words, And the Word became flesh and lived among us. John 1:14 On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 19

20 Psalm Reading Psalm 119:57-64 The Lord is my portion; I promise to keep your words. I implore your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. When I think of your ways, I turn my feet to your decrees; I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments. Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law. At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous ordinances. I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts. The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes. Prayer of Abandonment God with open arms, I abandon my will to yours. I surrender myself to you and your purposes for me and for your church. I let go of all that would hinder me from being the person you have called me to be and from being the church you have called from out of the world. I open myself to your divine voice. Into your hands, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, I place your church. Amen. Scripture Reading Luke 24:44-49 Then he said to them, These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35 On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 20

21 Gospel Meditation Day One: How can I fulfill (fill full) the Scripture in my life at this particular moment? Day Two: Where in my life do I need repentance or change? Day Three: Where in my life do I need to receive forgiveness? Day Four: Where in my life do I need to offer forgiveness? Day Five: What would it mean for me and my church if we understood that we were witnesses where we are? Day Six: Meditate upon what difference it might make if we truly lived as if our church were a witness to the wider world of the one Risen Christ. Day Seven: Pray for the leaders of Mennonite Church USA to be clothed with power from on high. Silent Meditation Spend 13 minutes in silent meditation. You might enter into the silence meditating slowly this phrase from Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. After a moment of silence, shorten the phrase to: Be still and know that I am. Again, after a moment of silence: Be still and know. Then, be still. And finally, be. Enter the silence. Prayer of Confession Too readily we have used the Bible as an instrument of division and a weapon of judgment, Merciful God. We have taken the easy road of self-justification rather than the road of suffering love. We have loved our understanding of scripture more than we have loved our neighbor as ourselves. Forgive us for being a witness to the world of a faith of judgment, division, and hypocrisy. Heal us and restore in us the image of Christ Jesus, who did not judge us according to our sins, but has shown us the mercy of God. Amen. Assurance of Faith Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 21

22 sing aloud of your deliverance. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:10-17 Lord s Prayer Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Reflection Question for the Week Ruminate on ( chew on ) this question throughout the week as you work, play, and pray: How is my life witnessing to the world around me of my faith in Christ? Spiritual Practice Be aware of every time the church or a Christian is mentioned in conversation or the media. When this happens, say a short prayer for the witness of the church and Christians in the world. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 22

23 Week Six ~ Christ is Ever Present Christ will always be present with us on our journey together along the way Preparation Find a comfortable and quiet place free of distractions. Have the sheet of the week s spiritual disciplines in hand. Close your eyes. Take several deep breaths. Breathe in with the words of the Jesus Prayer, Lord, have mercy. Breathe out with the words, Christ, have mercy. Let go of the concerns and worries of the day with each exhale. Sit in the silence for a minute or two. Opening Prayer All-encompassing God, you know my mind and thoughts before I even pray. And yet, you desire for me to pray. You know my feelings and my heart. And yet, you desire that I express my love to you. I bring myself to you this day aware that you know me better than I know myself. Take my gifts, energies, and resources. Take my weaknesses, struggles, and failures. Take my whole life my mind, body, heart, and soul and use them for your will and purpose within the world. For the sake of Christ and the church I pray. Amen. Symbolic Act Perform a simple symbolic act in acknowledgement of Christ s presence. If you light a candle, you might recite these words: Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, to which indeed I was called into one body (Colossians 3:15). Another symbolic act might be to stand and face north, south, east, and west with the words Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ beside me. Christ within me. Simply raise your arms to heaven and say, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me bless God s holy name (Psalm 103:1). On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 23

24 Psalm Reading Psalm 139:1-18, O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night, even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed. How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! I try to count them they are more than the sand; I come to the end I am still with you. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Prayer of Abandonment God with open arms, I abandon my will to yours. I surrender myself to you and your purposes for me and for your church. I let go of all that would hinder me from being the person you have called me to be and from being the church you have called from out of the world. I open myself to your divine voice. Into your hands, I commend my spirit. Into your hands, I place your church. Amen. Scripture Reading Luke 24:50-53 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God. So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 24

25 Gospel Meditation Day One: Lift up your hands and ask God to bless all those preparing to attend the Mennonite Church USA convention. Day Two: Who in the church do I have a difficult time blessing? Pray for them. Day Three: What are the ways I can be a blessing to others this week? Day Four: Worship the Ascended Christ for all that has been offered to me and the church. Day Five: Reflect on the meaning of the words, he withdrew from them, for me and the church. Day Six: Pray that those who attend the gathering at the Mennonite Church USA convention may return with great joy. Day Seven: What does it mean for me to be continually in the temple blessing God? Silent Meditation Spend 15 minutes in silent meditation. You might enter into the silence meditating slowly this phrase from Psalm 46: Be still and know that I am God. After a moment of silence, shorten the phrase to: Be still and know that I am. Again, after a moment of silence: Be still and know. Then, be still. And finally, be. Enter the silence. Prayer of Confession God, you know both my outer actions and inner motives, my frailty and faults. My confession is not to add to your knowledge, but a way for me to be honest with myself. It is also a means to receive forgiveness and restoration in my communion with you and those around me. So, forgive me my sins and restore me to a right relationship with you, with my brothers and sisters in Christ, and with my neighbors. For the sake of my wholeness, the healing of the church, and the liberation of the world I pray. Amen. Assurance of Faith Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast. Psalm 139: 7-10 On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 25

26 Lord s Prayer Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Reflection Question for the Week Ruminate on ( chew on ) this question throughout the week as you work, play, and pray: How would my life, my church, my world be different if we were constantly aware of the presence of God in all that we think, say, and do? Spiritual Practice Again, practice the presence of God. Practicing the Presence is a continuing prayerful mindfulness of God s presence in your daily life. Allow your work, recreation, daily duties, human interactions, to become moments of prayer and awareness of God. Use the week s reflection question for contemplation. On The Way Mennonite Church USA 2015 Page 26