Lectio Divina: Endure

Season 1 Episode 19

Using the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (or Sacred Reading), listen for God's invitation in James 1:2-4 CEB. If you would like to explore this passage with companioning yoga postures, breath prayer, or essential oil, find this meditation on pages 82-83 of Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit by Whitney R. Simpson.

Transcript

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Hi, I'm Whitney R. Simpson, and you're listening to Exploring Peace Meditations. Take a few moments to settle in and place your phone on Do Not Disturb. No matter where you may find yourself, pause your busy day with a dose of peace and calm for your breath, body, and spirit as we seek to explore the peace God offers us each and every day. Today's practice is a Lectio Divina meditation. The passage we're invited to hear today is one that I really clung to during my own health crisis. It's one that while sometimes it might not feel encouraging to be reminded that faith is challenging and that we're tested and called to endure, it's really important, especially during challenging times in our world where sometimes we're just not sure which way to turn or what to do next. But being present with our faith, our hopes, our fears, it calls us toward endurance. So today, I invite you to think of the various tests you're encountering. Before we even listen to the passage, just take a moment and ponder what is a challenge in your life right now. And then as you hear this word, let's be reminded that those before us and those with us on this journey are also walking through tests. So with that in mind, take a big breath in. And a nice long exhale out. It might even feel good to sigh it out. Another big breath in. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. Now before you tune out or choose not to listen again, just notice. Notice what emotions that scripture may evoke. Notice if there's a sense of frustration or if you can lean toward that joy. Just notice. And this time as you listen, I invite you to consider one word, phrase, or even an image that draws your attention. What stands out to you? In the silence, you're going to hold on to that word or phrase, repeat it, meditate on it, just hold on to it. My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. In the silence, meditate on the word, phrase, or image that stands out to you. In full authenticity. God can handle your emotions, your feelings, what you have rising up in you as you hear this passage. In the silence that follows, tell God. Tell God how you feel. Tell God what rises up in you as you hear this passage today. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. Respond to God's word in the silence. We rest in what we might have heard through the scripture. We rest in what we might have heard in the silence. My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing. Creator God, give us the endurance we need on this journey of faith, on this journey of trials. May we draw nearer to you, especially during times of testing and trial, and help us find our joy in you. In your most holy and precious name we pray. Amen. Thanks for allowing me to be a companion on your journey. If you're longing for more as a peace seeker, join our community online at exploringpeace.com. There you'll find additional soul care resources. You can also connect with me at Whitney Rsimpson.com. Until next time, breathe deeply and peace be with you.