Baptism of Christ

Baptism.  One of the two Protestant sacraments, the other one being Eucharist, or Communion.  A sacrament is a sign of God's "Self-giving" Love, an outward sign of an inward grace.  To know more about baptism, take this link to Baptism: Chuck Knows Church on Youtube, a humorous yet quite informative video produced by General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. 

When you stop laughing you may be ready to lean into our passage for lectio divina and pray with me.  Take a few moments to center yourself by engaging in a simple breath prayer (6-8 syllables) like this one (or one that emerges from within yourself) until you are focused on God.

Breathe in ... Spirit of God (pause)
Breathe out ... Call me Beloved (pause)
 

Then pray for illumination of the text:  Beloved God, as I read and meditate on your Word, fill me with love and light that I might envision the life you call me to live.  Amen.

The Underground Baptismal Font At Chartres Cathedral © 2008 Cindy Serio

 Step 1: Lectio/Reading … Reading
 

Read Matthew 3:13-17 slowly and reverently, letting the words steep in your mind.   On this first reading, listen with all of your senses.  Let the passage play out in your mind like a film unfolds.  What do you see?  What do you hear?  What can you smell?  What can you taste?  What can you touch and feel?    Allow your senses to lead you into the text.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented.  And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."

Step 2: Meditatio/Meditation … Receiving

Read the passage a 2nd time ... Listen for a word or phrase that catches your attention.  Gently focus on that word or phrase.  Repeat it several times and allow it to be sifted through your heart and mind all the way to your soul. Pay attention to the thoughts and feelings the passage evokes within you.
What memories come to your mind?  Ask God to continue to speak to you through the word or phrase you've been drawn to.   Listen for God’s reply as you move through your day

Step 3: Oratio/Prayer … Responding

Read the passage a 3rd time ... Consider any thoughts or feelings or desires that have been awakened.
Perhaps you have found an area of your life that needs attention.
Do not rush ... how are you drawn to respond to God?

Step 4: Contempatio/Contemplative Silence … Resting

Allow yourself to rest in the silence.
Allow your mind to settle into the silence.
Allow your heart to beat with the silence.
Allow your soul to breathe with the silence
When you feel the time to move on ...

Pray:  Thank you, my Beloved God, for calling me Your beloved child, for loving me and speaking to my heart through this passage.  Amen.  

Remember Your Baptism and Be Thankful!  Created April 2010 by Cindy Serio