Each week during our Beguiled by Beauty worship series, we'll post an opportunity for you to go deeper into the practice of lectio divina, or “divine reading,” an ancient practice of engaging deeply with sacred texts, inviting us into a transformative encounter with God's word.
This practice unfolds in four movements: Lectio (Reading), where we carefully listen to the text with an open heart; Meditatio (Meditation), where we ponder the words, allowing them to resonate within us; Oratio (Prayer), where we respond to the text by conversing with God; and Contemplatio (Contemplation), where we rest in God's presence, embracing the silence and mystery of divine love. Each week, as we embark on this journey, may these steps guide us closer to the heart of God and the beauty that surrounds us.
WEEK 3
Awakening to Beauty, Falling in Love with the World
We often chase fleeting pleasures to quench our thirst for meaning. But true fulfillment lies in discovering the wellspring of beauty within ourselves and the world around us. As Wendy Farley beautifully puts it, "Divine beauty shimmers and shimmies through the universe and in every barrio where someone is singing or weeping. Because of beauty, our spirits are enlivened." When we see with our hearts, our souls find nourishment.
Nature, in all its resilience, offers a powerful message of hope. A tree reborn from ashes, a seed breaking through concrete—these are symbols of our own capacity for renewal. By contemplating this enduring beauty, we ignite a spark of vitality within ourselves.
This week, we turn to Psalm 147, a balm for the weary soul. Imagine these words as a comforting embrace for those feeling lost or alone. The psalmist paints a picture of a loving Divine presence, healing wounds and providing sustenance. We invite you to let these hopeful verses wash over you. Know that just as the stars are known by name, you too are seen and cherished.
Let's drink deeply from this well of inspiration together, and allow the divine beauty that shimmers within us and around us to enliven our spirits.
Lectio (Reading)
Read Psalm 147:1-11, focusing on the images of creation and God’s care for all living things.
How good it is to praise our God!
It is a pleasure to make beautiful praise!
YHWH rebuilds Jerusalem,
and gathers Israel’s exiles.
God heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
God knows the number of the stars
and calls each one by name.
Great is YHWH, and mighty in power;
there is no limit to God’s wisdom.
YHWH lifts up the oppressed,
and casts the corrupt to the ground.
Sing to our God with thanksgiving;
sing praise with the harp to our God—
who covers the heavens with clouds,
who provides rain for the earth,
who makes grass sprout on the mountains
and herbs for the service of the people,
who gives food to the cattle,
and to the young ravens when they cry.
God does not thrill to the strength of the horse,
or revel in the fleetness of humans.
YHWH delights in those who worship with reverence
and put their hope in divine love.
Meditatio (Meditation)
Using the Visio Divina video and haiku below, meditate on the beauty and resilience of creation. Consider how awakening to this beauty can bring hope and new life, even in difficult times.
beauty everywhere drawing us closer to God hope midst brokenness – by Vianne Reay
Oratio (Prayer)
Pray for the ability to see and appreciate the beauty in the world around you. Ask for a heart that is open to the beauty in others and in yourself.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
In silence, imagine yourself resting in God’s presence, feeling completely safe and unshakable. Allow this sense of peace to fill your heart.
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