Ruth Part 2 God Has Not Abandoned You!

Read Ruth 3:1-5 to get an idea of where we are in the story ...

(The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice ™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society)

 Naomi (to Ruth): My child, it is my responsibility to find a husband and place of rest for you— a place where you will find rest and contentment. You have been working alongside the young women who serve Boaz. Is he not a part of our family? Early this evening, during the late afternoon wind, he will be on the threshing floor winnowing the barley. They toss the stalks into the wind with a fork and watch the grain fall at their feet as the stalks blow away. Bathe and perfume yourself. Put on your best dress, then go down onto the threshing floor. Be careful, though. Don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. Once he is relaxed, he will lie down to sleep. Make sure you notice where he is. Once he has lain down, go to him. Uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do. Comment: The Hebrew euphemism “to uncover the feet” is a sexual expression; but in this context, and in light of the honorable character of Boaz and Ruth, it is clear that she is simply making herself available for marriage. Ruth: I will do everything you have told me to do. 

Courtesy of Peter Asher Pitzele

http://www.biblioartist.com

When you are ready I invite you to spend a few moments in the silence to prepare your heart to receive the Word of God and to open your inner eye to “see” God as you prayerfully consider the Scripture passage for this week.   Breathe deeply and settle into your soul with a simple breath prayer.  Use this one or create your own (six to eight syllables)

          Breathe in … Eternal One (pause)      Breath out … Give me new life!  (pause)

The Lectio Divina Method this week comes from http://www.journeycenter.org

Lectio (READ): On the first reading of Ruth 4:13-17, simply open yourself to the presence of the Eternal One. Read the passage slowly and prayerfully, allowing short pauses between sentences. As you read, take in the words and the overall flow of the passage. Then allow a time of silence following the reading- continue to open yourself to the Spirit of God.

Ruth 4:13-17

Boaz took responsibility of Ruth, and they married. After they came together, Ruth conceived by the Eternal’s provision, and later she gave birth to a son. Women (to Naomi): Praise the Eternal One. God has not abandoned you and did not leave you without a redeeming guardian. May your offspring become famous all through Israel. May this child give you a new life. May he strengthen you and provide for you in your old age. Look at your daughter-in-law, Ruth. She loves you. This one devoted daughter is better to you than seven sons would be. She is the one who gave you this child. Then Naomi held the child tightly in her arms and cared for him. All around her, friends cried out, “Naomi has a son!” They named the child Obed because he would provide for his grandmother. Obed grew up and became the father of Jesse. Jesse, too, became a father one day, the father of David. 

Meditatio (REFLECT): On the second prayerful reading of the passage, listen for a particular word or a phrase through which God wants to speak to you. You will notice your attention being drawn to something (or if this doesn't happen, just choose a word). Once you have "received" the word or phrase, begin to silently meditate on that. Reflect on why God would highlight this for you today, ask questions that come to mind, and note things that seem important as you meditate on what has been given to you. Remember that the focus is on listening to what God has to say to you.

Oratio (RESPOND): On the third prayerful reading of the passage, listen now for God's invitation, and respond from your heart. The Living God is always inviting us in some way... to let go of something, or to take up something; to do something or be something… the invitation can take innumerable forms. Following the reading, continue to listen for an invitation and then respond silently from an honest heart.

Contemplatio (REST): The focus of the fourth prayerful reading of the passage is to simply rest now in the love that God has for you. Let the words wash over you- there is no further need to reflect or respond- allow God's Spirit to draw you close and fill you with His love, grace and peace. Linger in this place of deep connection, for you are being filled and refreshed for your continuing journey.

You are invited to take a word, phrase or image with you when it is time to return to your day... something to which you can turn to throughout the day… something that will remind you of the love of God for you, and the special message poured into you!