Week 5 Part 2 Encountering Jesus: Get up and Pray/The Disciples

The Garden of Gethsemane is located on the lower portion of the western slope of the Mount of Olives.  The Church of All Nations, and its associated olive grove are located on this spot today


 "Images courtesy of www.HolyLandPhotos.org

  

These are some of the old olive trees in the garden next to the Church of All Nations.  This is the garden where Jesus and the disciples prayed together on the night of his arrest.

Bible Reflection and Prayer:  The second movement of Encountering Jesus is Bible Reflection.  Take a deep breath and engage in a time of praying with Scripture called Lectio Divina, which means "sacred reading."   We are using the scholastic Lectio Divina method you can find on the Contemplative Outreach Website. 

Lectio (Reading) Read the Scripture passage as if for the first time and listen with the "ear of your heart."  

Luke 22:39-48     He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’  Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’  Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength.  In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.   When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’   While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; but Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?’   

What phrase, sentence or even one word stands out to you? 

Meditatio (Reflecting) Read the passage a second time and Reflect as you become aware of what touches you, a thought or reflection that is meaningful. Allow yourself a  minute or two of silence.

Oratio (Responding) Read the a third time and Respond spontaneously to the word of God. Be aware of any prayer that rises up within that expresses the experience. Allow a minute or two of silence.

Contemplatio (Resting) Read the passage a final time and Rest in God. Pray and allow God to speak in the silence. Allow three or four minutes of silence.  Simply "be with" God's presence as you open yourself to a deeper understanding of the Word of God.

As you move from your prayers and go "on your way" take a word or a phrase with you … carry it in your heart to help you stay focused on God's movement in your life ... Peace be with you
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