Laura Stephens Reed of Cooperative Baptist Fellowship offers more suggestions for entering into contemplation during Lent:
Move your body. Sometimes I am most amenable to the Spirit’s whisperings when I am moving just enough to quiet my mind. Walking or repetitive motions often work well for this.
Examen the day. Examen is the practice of reviewing the day, noting when God felt closer or more distant. You could add an open-ended question to that reflection, such as, “What is God up to in this?”
Seek out a new (or not so new) acquaintance’s story. When we hear the narrative of someone else’s life, we learn fresh ways that God moves through our lives and connects all our stories to God’s own. And, when we become closer to a person by knowing more about them, the door of our heart opens a bit wider, and we catch a new glimpse of God’s image.
Listen for a word from God. Engage in lectio divina on a scripture passage, listening for and sharing what word or phrase jumps out at you and what God might be saying to you through it. This can be done on your own or in a small group setting.
Contact us at 314-578-0062 or [email protected]!