This recent teaching  featured something a bit different for the folks at Epiclesis: A period of silence where we participated in an ancient way of reading, and savoring, Scripture called "Lectio Divina". Want to learn more? Take a look at the Scripture passage, the beautiful Christological hymn in Philippians 2, and listen in. We'll be especially concentrating on the Scripture phrase, "He emptied Himself."
Two more notes: While the congregation experienced about 15 minutes of silence, we've inserted 5 minutes of instrumental music at the appropriate place in the podcast. Finally, the text of the handout that the congregation received is printed for you just below:
Lectio Divina
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross. –Phil 2:5-8 (NRSV)
First, get comfortable. Say a simple prayer for illumination.
1. Lectio: Read the whole text slowly. Savor each word. Listen more than you read.
2. Meditatio: Concentrate especially on the bolded phrase in green. Memorize it. Meditate over it. Allow it to interact with your inner thought life.
3. Oratio: Pray to God about what you have read. Listen more than you speak.
4. Contemplatio: Rest in God’s embrace. Simply focus on God in wordless contemplation.