February 11-18th, 2018

Daily Devotional Guide

February 11-18th, 2018

Mark 9:2-9

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VISIO DIVINA 

is meditative/prayer practice that opens the heart and soul to connect with

God through images. How does this image speak to you about faith, purpose?

Reading Mark 9:2-9

what impressions come to you in relationship to this image.

What does this painting reveal to you about the transfiguration?

About transformation? Does the white paint dripping and

running say anything about grace? Does the texture

convey something? What feelings do you get from this picture?

What do you think God is revealing to you?

Prayer

MORNING

Lord you are the song of my soul. I found you within me

your voice the sound of loving action, mercy, awareness,

creativity, light. Your song finds me in my day in the praises

of chirps, and barks, music, your word, and the loving words

of those around me. Teach me to be your song to others. Amen

READINGS FOR REFLECTION

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

Blinded by the Light

The transfiguration narrative found in Mark 9:2-9

has Peter, James, and John upon the mountain

when Moses and Elijah also appear. The light is

blinding! Jesus appears in a white so pure it defies

description. This section of scripture contains so many

theological goodies that are deeply profound in

understanding Jesus within our faith history through

Moses, and Elijah. But what about that light?

Jesus is changed in the light. God operates in the light.

The light is bright, painful to the eye, and transforming.

Yet the church is painted in darkness and shadow.

Society’s opinions and impressions of Christians belie

the light and speak of bigotry, prejudice,

and judgmental attitudes. God is in the light.

We are people of the light. The

true church is light. Let us be transformed

by the light that defies description. Ann

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

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

AudioLectio  

One Year Bible

Chronological Bible

Virtues for Prayer Each Day of The Week:

love of God- Sunday                 

love of neighbor -Monday         

humility -Tuesday                     

self-denial -Wednesday and Friday

resignation and meekness -  Thursday

and thanksgiving - Saturday 

 Heitzenrater, Richard P. (2013-08-20). Wesley and the People Called Methodists

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…...

Sending Prayer

Lord, comforter and inspirer of my soul

lead me into my day with courage and

adventure to experience the blessings

of this day with wonder and power. Amen

    

DAYTIME

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

Father of falling snow, I encounter the storms

of work that shower my life with demands,

and responsibilities, I pause to pray, connect,

and find peace amid the piles of work

and life. Change my sight to see the importance

of what I do, the lives that are changed by love,

and all the blessings you give. Change my

sight and heart to go into the remainder of

my day in hope, and truth to your abiding

love,

Amen

EVENING

Questions for Day that has Past 

It is important to reflect upon our day and where we may be more present

in our faith and more expressive in sharing what we know of God’s grace with others.

These questions are in response to what God begins within us.

God is the force to which we respond God is first.

We live in response to his love given through Christ.

Did I love God in prayer with thankfulness and openness?

How will I love God more tomorrow?

Did I love others and share the beauty of God?

Was I generous with my time and resources?

Did I grow in faith?

Did I grow in love for God and others today?

Did I extend the forgiveness of Christ that I desire to receive?

Did I take time to appreciate all God has provided?

Did I love God through creative praise?

LENTEN FASTING

Lent is the time between Ash Wednesday

and Good Friday. It is a time of reflection

and preparation for Easter-Christ’s and our

resurrections. Lent is a time when through

disciplined living God changes our earthly

nature. God leads many to fast from foods.

Others to fast from activities.

Some to add new or renew disciplines in

their daily lives. These are spiritual endeavors

to open ourselves to the Holy Spirit and become

aware and challenged to grow and be change.

It isn’t about rules, losing weight, getting fit,

or being perceived as pious. It is about soul,

love, God, and growth to be more like

the men and women God created us to be.

It is about being resurrected into new life. Ann

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT*

Prayer

Lord of rod and staff, I look within in

connection with your spirit of power

and grace. I praise you for the gift

of Christ and the blessing of this day.

Forgive my selfishness, cruelties,

ignorance, and blindness. Lead me forward

in your truth and love. Change me. I pray

for the sleep of peace and rest that awakens

my soul and sight to your workings and

directions for my life. Amen