"The kingdom of God...is like a mustard seed."
We invite you to a few minutes of silence before we begin our prayer time together.
Take a deep breath and breathe in the breath of God, knowing by faith that God breathes into us the breath of life...
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First reading & silent reflection: Reflect in silence.
LECTIO: from Mark 4: 26-34
[Jesus] also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
Second reading & reflection: What word or phrase catches your attention? Share or pass...
Third reading & reflection: How does this word or phrase touch your life? Share or pass.
Fourth and last reading & silent reflection: How is God inviting you to grow? We will reflect in silence for a few moments before we move from Lectio Divina to Centering/Silent Prayer.
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CONTEMPLATIVE / SILENT PRAYER
Our Centering Prayer sit is 20 - 30 minutes sounded by the chime/chant. At the end of the Prayer sit, we will linger in silence a few minutes, then follow by praying together the Our Father.
The New Zealand Anglican Lord's Prayer
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever.
Amen.
--The New Zealand Book of Prayer | He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa
Teaching / Reflection:
This image of the mustard seed (and the “tree” that comes from it) is the Semitic analog of a universal theme found across cultures and history. Depending on the people who use it and the place it is being used, the image of the tree (or plant) differs, but the subject remains the same: at the heart of the cosmos is a living entity which, like a tree, has grown from something small, but then also spreads out, nourishing and giving shelter to a far wider environment. . . .
Through this analogy we learn to treasure each potential seed-point in the Kingdom, knowing that its destiny will be different in form from its origin. In the wisdom tradition, growth in size typically equates to increase in quality. The seed will grow to maturity and become “qualified” to house the birds of the sky.
--Lynn C. Baumann, In Trouble and Wonder: A Spiritual Commentary on the Gospel of Thomas, 90.
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We now take some time to share our thoughts and reflections on our own spiritual journey and our prayer practice. This may be followed by brief prayers of intercession. Share or pass.
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Go in the name of Christ Jesus to love and serve the Lord. Thanks be to God!
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[This is an adapted format courtesy of Richard and Linda Hall, Contemplative Outreach of Maryland and Washington, DC]
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