Grace
To embrace the discomfort of being at Christ’s table.
Readings
Devotion 1
Wait: Take time to sit in silence together, allowing space for God’s voice to be heard.
In chapter three of Zephaniah, the prophet calls out the elite of Jerusalem for the ways which they have used their power unjustly. They are oppressors (v1), like roaring lions (v3); their prophets and priests are arrogant men who do violence to the law (v4). Imagine that you are part of the peasant population of Jerusalem hearing Zephaniah’s words in verses 14-20. What do you hear?
Read: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Ask:
- Where do you hear God’s voice in this text?
- What hope does it kindle in you?
- What hope might it speak into your neighbourhood?
Share:
- Communion
Pray:
- Share in a time of prayer
- The Lord’s Prayer
Devotion 2
Take time to sit in silence, aware of the presence of God’s Spirit
Read Isaiah 12:2-6 as a Lectio Devina.
Share: Communion
Pray:
- End with the Lord’s prayer
Devotion 3
Wait: Take time to sit in the silence of thanksgiving together, aware of God’s loving kindness toward us.
Read: Philippians 4:4-7. As you read, imagine Paul writing the words from prison, unsure whether he will ever be released.
Ask:
- What words or phrases stand out to you as you read these verses?
- Take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to minister among you. Is there a prayer or encouragement for someone else that God is prompting?
Pray:
- Pray for one another
Share: Communion
- End with the Lord’s prayer
Devotion 4
Wait: Take time to sit in the silence of repentance together, aware of our inadequacy and God’s grace.
Read: Luke 3:7-18
“The prophetic oracle of Isaiah [in Luke 3:4-6] thus helps us to envision the justice appropriate to repentance in response to the good news of salvation: economic redistribution among God’s people in order to achieve a fair balance of basic goods; an end to legal exploitation of the poor through unfair practices and structural injustice; and renunciation of oppression and violence, committed against the weak and vulnerable, and the greed and power abuse that drive them. To “[p]repare the way of the Lord” is about not only personal salvation but also structural transformation, social justice as well as individual holiness.”1
Ask:
- Take a moment to read again verses 10-14. Are there ways that God is prompting you to act?
Share: Communion
Pray:
- Share in a time of prayer
- End with the Lord’s prayer
1. Darrin Snyder Belousek. Good News: The Advent of Salvation in the Gospel of Luke. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2014. Kindle loc. 1272.