Lectio Divina: Don't Be Afraid

Hear the words spoken to the disciples be spoken to you today, "Don't Be Afraid." See Jesus all around you with Matthew 17:1-8 and this Lectio Divina practice. 

For more on the theme Don't Be Afraid, see page 140 of With God in Every Breath by Whitney R. Simpson.

Transcript

Welcome And Get Settled

SPEAKER_00 0:02

Hi, I'm Whitney and you're listening to Exploring Peace Meditations. As you get settled in and find a place in which you can listen and not be disturbed, I'd love to remind you that you can find more meditations and prayers like this one at exploringpeace.com. Today's meditation is inspired by a theme from my book with God in Every Breath. You can find that book and more devotionals at Whitneyrsimpson.com. Alright, now are you settled? Have you taken a couple of nice full deep breaths yet? Maybe softened and closed your eyes. Relax your face and your jaw.

Lectio Divina And Listening In The Body

SPEAKER_00 0:55

Today's practice is Lectia Divina, a time in which we listen and savor the scriptures. I'll invite you to listen to the passage several times. And notice as you listen, how does your body respond? Not simply your mind, but also your body. This is Matthew 17, verses 1 through 8 in the message. Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. Peter broke in. Master, this is a great moment. What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain? One for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah. While he was going on like this, babbling, a light, radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice, This is my son. Marked by my love. Focus

First Reading Of The Transfiguration

SPEAKER_00 2:24

on my delight. Listen to him. When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. Don't be afraid. When they opened their eyes and looked around, all they saw was Jesus. Only Jesus.

Silence And Noticing What Stands Out

SPEAKER_00 2:54

In this moment of quiet, just take a few breaths, settle your body, and notice. What do you notice? What do you sense? Reflect on whatever stands out and how it speaks to you today in the quiet that follows. If there's a word or a phrase that stands out, you could even repeat it silently. Listen again, and then reflect in the silence.

Second Reading And Deeper Reflection

SPEAKER_00 3:59

Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. Peter broke in, Master, this is a great moment. What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain? One for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah. While he was going on like this, babbling, a light radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a voice, This is my son. Marked by my love. Focus on my delight. Listen to him. When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. Don't be afraid. When they opened their eyes and looked around, all they saw was Jesus. Only Jesus. In the quiet, meditate on whatever stands out to you. How does it make you feel? Is there

Responding To God In Prayer

SPEAKER_00 6:12

an invitation for you? Would you like to respond to that? In the quiet, just tell God what you're hearing or sensing. Listen first and then respond. Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elisha were also there in deep conversation with him. Peter broke in, Master, this is a great moment. What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain? One for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah. While he was going on like this, babbling, a light radiant cloud enveloped them. And sounding from deep in the cloud a voice, This is my son, marked by my love. Focus on my delight. Listen to him. When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. Don't be afraid. When they opened their eyes and looked around, all they saw was Jesus. Only Jesus. In the quiet, respond to whatever you may be hearing in this word today. Respond to God. And then rest

Resting And Giving Thanks

SPEAKER_00 8:48

in what you've heard from God today. Receive any clarity, wisdom, insight, or imagery that comes, and give thanks to God. Give thanks to God for God's word, for the gift of Jesus, and for this time of listening. Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face. His clothes were filled with light. Then they realized that Moses and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. Peter broke in, Master, this is a great moment. What would you think if I built three memorials here on the mountain? One for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah. While he was going on like this babbling, a light, radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud, a voice, This is my son, marked by my love. Focus on my delight. Listen to him. When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their faces, scared to death. But Jesus came over and touched them. Don't be afraid. When they opened their eyes and looked around, all they saw was Jesus. Only Jesus. Take the next few moments to rest in what you've heard, sensed, or noticed.

Don’t Be Afraid Mantra And Blessing

SPEAKER_00 11:49

Now hear the words of Jesus as they were spoken to the disciples to be spoken to you today. Don't be afraid. Repeat these words to yourself silently or aloud. Don't be afraid. Thank you, God, for this simple reminder, for the gift of Jesus, and for being able to say to myself today, I am not afraid, for you are with me. I am not afraid, for you are with me. Lord God, help us breathe in your presence today and always, and do not let us be afraid, for we know you are near. Help us see you, sense you, and be filled with your light. In your holy name we pray. Amen. Spend as long as you wish in the quiet, and when you're ready to open your eyes again, see Jesus all around you. Until next time, may God's peace be with you.