Advent 2: The Peaceable Kingdom

Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of "praying" the scriptures.   Lectio is a receptive way of reading the scripture rather that "taking" something away from it.  Many people refer to the act of lectio divina as "reading with the ear of the heart" in the way of St. Benedict.   Advent is a time waiting, waiting, and anticipation.   Advent is a time of receptivity.  We wait to receive the gift of the Christ Child. 

Although there are essentially 4 movements in the prayerful reading of the sacred text known as Lectio Divina,  lectio (read), meditatio (reflect), oratio (respond), and contemplatio (rest) there truly are as many ways to creatively engage the biblical text through lectio divina as there are creative people who read the bible with not just their mind but their entire being.  

I'll guide you gently but I encourage you to surrender to God and listen to what you are "hearing with the ear of your heart."  You can create your own way ... as you read the text let the Spirit guide you! 

This week's passage from Isaiah is often called the Peaceable Kingdom.  The themes of the lectionary readings this week relate to justice and righteousness in the Kingdom of God.  When God reigns there is peace.

Pray for Illumination:  God of Advent, shine your light upon my heart and mind as I explore the biblical text.  As I read and reflect on your holy Word, fill me with desire to respond to you and to reach out to all people in the world with Peace in my heart and in my actions.  Amen.

Movement 1: READ  Isaiah 11:1-10 slowly and let the words wash over you ... listen for a word or a phrase that attracts your attention ... stop ... turn that word or phrase around and around, over and over in your mind.  Say your word or phrase aloud so you can "hear" it.  Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ...

On a trail at The Cramer Retreat Center in Houston, Texas

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.  The spirit of the LORD shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.  His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.  Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.  The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.  The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.  They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.  On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Movement 2:  READ the text slowly again and let the words flow into your spirit ... Has a different word or phrase called to you?  That's ok.  REFLECT on your chosen word or phrase.  How does this passage illuminate your life?  What is God's invitation to you through the text?  Is there a "word" you can take with you into your day?   Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ...

Movement 3:  READ the text slowly again and let the words sink deep into your soul ... RESPOND to God's invitation with prayers of praise, adoration, confession, gratitude, discernment, petition, intercession, and/or commitment ... whatever emerges from within you, express it in the form of a prayer.   Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ...

Movement 4:  Remember that God is as close to you as your very own breath.  REST in the gentle silence of God's presence ... breath in the peace that emerges from God's presence and provision ... as you move on, breath out the love of God upon the world

Breath Prayer of Rest:
Breathing in … God of Peace
Breathing out … Make me a Channel of your Peace 

If music is a spiritual pathway for you, you may enjoy this musical arrangement of The Prayer of St. Francis. There are some beautiful nature photos as well ... enjoy!