Growing Together:
As we grow together, each week we will practice a discipline together that will help our walk with Jesus. This week we are going to practice Lectio Divina together. Unlike analytical Bible study, which focuses on historical facts or theological arguments, Lectio Divina aims for personal transformation and communion with God.
Instruction for Lectio Divina: A Simple Way to Pray Scripture
1. Be still
Sit down. Silence your phone. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak. One sentence is enough: “Lord, I am here.”
2. Read
Read the passage slowly out loud.
Read it a second time.
Notice a word or phrase that stays with you. Do not hunt for a sermon. Receive what is given.
3. Reflect
Sit with that word.
What is God showing you about himself?
What is he showing you about you?
Where does this touch your real life this week?
4. Pray
Talk to God about what you noticed. Thank him. Confess. Ask. Keep it plain.
5. Rest
Stop talking. Stay with God for a minute. You do not have to fix anything. Let the Word hold you.
6. Live
Carry one sentence into the week. If you are in a group, share that one sentence.
Verse for Lectio Divina this week: Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
Questions:
On Sunday, Pastor Dusty read a quote from Gregory of Nazianzus which said: “No sooner do I conceive of the One than I am illumined by the Splendor of the Three; no sooner do I distinguish them than I am carried back to the One.” How do you see the theology of the Trinity in your personal worship and relationship with God? When you pray, do you find yourself praying to One person of the trinity more than the others. (There is no right answer)
When you think about keeping or guarding the unity we have by the Spirit, what practical things keep us bound in love to one another? Have you ever seen the result of disunity in a church? How about unity in action?
When we talk about the foundational doctrines that bind us and root us together in unity, why do you think it can be difficult for us to practically live this out in church today?
When we think about guarding unity at all costs, what are some practical steps we can do to walk this out?
Psalm 133 is one of the foundational scriptures of Hope Ridge. Read this chapter together. When there is unity, God’s Spirit flows freely. Have you seen this before in a church setting?
True harmony/unity is not merely a social preference; it is the environment where God commands "the blessing, even life forevermore". Have you thought about how vital unity is before? Discuss your thoughts on unity with each other.
How have you seen more fruit of the spirit appear in your life? What are the rhythms of discipleship that produce the most fruit for your life?
How do the fruits of the Spirit help us live in unity?
Resources: Confused about the Trinity? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaqWco9q6X0