Sparks in the Stubble

Devotional Guide

November 4^th-11^th, 2018

Morning

PRAYER

God of life and rising sun, I awaken with the day to know and experience the gift of grace. Surrounded by your love upheld in Spirit I am in trembling awe of your power and mercy. Take this time devoted to you and find me. Take the clay that is me and mold me into love. Amen

Visio Divina

is a meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with God through images

We remember those in life eternal this week.

How does the Scripture Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9

and this image speak to you?

How are you being led to pray this week?

Readings for Reflection

Use an additional resource like the Upper Room or any devotionals you prefer.

Sparks in the Stubble   Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9

     Our reading comes from the Apocrypha. Books not included in Hebrew scripture, but found in the Greek Septuagint. The Apocryphal books are found between the Old and New Testaments. The book of Wisdom or the Wisdom of Solomon is a book that is often echoed in Paul’s writing.

     As all Holy Eve, Halloween, comes to a close for another year we gather to remember the saints. All the people we have seen enter glory and freedom in the arms of God.  Our reading talks about the eternal spirit that is alive in eternal joy. “And in the time of their visitation they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble”(Solomon 3:7). This metaphor brings to mind the sparks of fire leaping and jumping from one blade of straw to another. The abandon and freedom of each spark finding purchase and life.

     I also think of the sharp blades of grief that soften over time as the pain of loss fades. The tear watered seeds that grow and mature to dry into the stubble of life’s harvest. Just when a new normal comes the spark finds the blade. And a new fire of mourning pain sears the heart. In some way it is good. We grow in faith with every spark, to remember the hope that remains and that we too will be remembered. But more importantly we will shine and run in glory too.  Ann

    

Daily Scripture Reading

You may also like Lectio Divina (audio Lectio) a focused reading and meditation of scripture.

Audio Lectio

Chronological Bible

One Year Bible

Abiding in The Spirit

           * Find your quiet center, empty your mind, and be present to hear the voice of God. Color, write in a journal, listen to music, use prayer beads to help your focus. Concentrate upon what God is calling you to understand, change, make, explore

Prayers of Intercession

pray for those who are upon your heart. Lift them up to God and his mercy, compassion, and love.

Afternoon

Set a reminder to pray throughout the day. Embrace the breath of prayer, release your burdens, be thankful. Recall today’s readings, the Visio Divina and meditate upon them and how they are affecting your day

PRAYER

I breathe and live to grow in love. I pause Lord to hear your voice, your power, your challenge, and correction. I pause in patience and wisdom to see others as you do. Equal to myself. Adjust me and my attitudes to be love and acceptance, compassion and helpful. Amen

Evening

To grow in faith and understanding of God, ourselves, and others it helps to evaluate ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, challenge ourselves. In your personal growth in faith and Christian action evaluate how you lived in love of God, others, and self today.

Abiding in The Spirit*

PRAYER

Lord, your day is done. The light fades and night is alive in velvet gray. The leaves of spring are now yellow of fall and sail through the air like snow. The ground is littered in color and crunchy steps. The earth is preparing to sleep. Forgive me my failures and faults. Open my heart to your grace. Lead me in sleep to beautiful lands and loves that inspire my life to live boldly in faith.  Amen