Session #3Session #3

“God invites us as we read the biblical text to

reflect in our reading, respond in our hearing

and seeing, rest by living in the text and

expecting it to live out of us . . . simply to be

progressively conformed to the Image of Christ

for the sake of others”

Session #3

God invites us as we read the biblical text to . . .

– reflect in our reading

– respond in our hearing and seeing

– rest by living in the text

– expect the text to live out of us

– be progressively conformed to the Image of Christ for the sake of others

Our time together today . . .

Overture

Teaching – Bible reading and prayer

Praxis Activity – sampling Lectio Divina

Epilogue

Overture

Modelling Dynamics

Learning from Others

Most of our human behaviours are learned observationally especially

through modelling.

As we observe others, fresh ideas are formed of how new behaviours could

be performed. We “code and store information,” so on later occasions our coded (modelled) information serves

us as a guide in the developing desired and fresh actions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGNiA2tyFLs

When Jesus called followers to . . .

“come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you

and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”

(Matt.11:28-29)

He wasn’t calling them to detachment from religious pursuit, or offering freedom from all constraints, but rather into engagement with Himself uttered in the expression “my

yoke” - a metaphor for the discipline of discipleship.

Jesus’ call is to “engage modeled formation”

Modeling or vicarious learning as a form of social learning is behavioural acquisition that occurs by watching the actions and outcomes of others’

behaviour. It is a process in which observers pattern their thoughts,

beliefs, and behaviours, after those displayed by one or more models.

“Christian spiritual discipline behaviours/actions are learned observationally through modelling” . . .

We do this through reading, hearing about and observing . . .

– Biblical characters (especially Jesus)

– Key persons in Christian history

– Fellow Christian believers who are active and influential in our spheres of life and fellowship.

As we observe others fresh ideas and concepts are formed about how desired behaviours are performed, and can be achieved in ways which are supportive of our own spiritual

formation.

In learning through modelling (observation) there are four steps (or smaller processes) . . .

1. Attention

2. Retention

3. Reproducing

4. Motivation

1. Attention a model is paid attention by a disciple.

2. Retention the attended-elements become the subject of

retention or remembering.

3. Reproducing The process of reproducing what has been retained

develops and repeats

4. Motivation having good reason to imitate and incarnate

Attention 2 Timothy 1:5 I have been

reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Retention

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say, see me do, and learned in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people, those who will also be qualified to teach others

Reproducing

1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

Motivation

2 Timothy 4:5 “ . . . keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

1. Attention a model is paid attention by a disciple.

2. Retention the attended-elements become the subject of

retention or remembering.

3. Reproducing The process of reproducing what has been retained

develops and repeats

4. Motivation having good reason to imitate and incarnate

Growing and learning through modelling involves . . .

– Inspiration

– Intention

– Incarnation

– Impetus

. . . within the “Growee”

Bible Reading and Prayer

Lectio DivinaLectio Divina Praying the Scriptures Praying the Scriptures

Lectio Divina, or “sacred readings,” is a form of praying texts.

Although praying the Scriptures is the most common form of lectio divina, it is also

possible to pray other texts, such as poetry or devotional writings

The classical form of lectio divina has four components, but in his book Invitation to a

Journey M. Robert Mulholland adds introductory and concluding elements

Silencio – We prepare ourselves for spiritual reading by engaging in a period of silence.

1. Lectio – We read the text thoughtfully and slowly, engaging as many senses as possible.

2. Meditatio – In this step we reflect upon words or images that especially speak to us based upon our reading.

3. Oratio – We respond to God based upon our reading and pondering.

4. Contemplatio – We rest, simply rest, in God’s presence, yielding ourselves to God’s care and opening ourselves even further to receiving what God desires to give.

Incarnatio – The final step calls us to live out the text we have been praying.

SILENCIO LECTIO MEDITATIO ORATIO CONTEMPLATIO INCARNATIO

We prepare ourselves for

spiritual reading by

engaging in a period of silence.

We read the text

thoughtfully and slowly, engaging as many senses as possible.

In this step we reflect upon

words or images that especially

speak to us based upon our reading.

We respond to God based

upon our reading and pondering.

We rest, simply rest, in God’s

presence, yielding

ourselves to God’s care and

opening ourselves even

further to receiving what God desires to

give.

The final step calls us to live out the text

we have been praying

During silence we attempt to let go of

our anxieties and inner dialogues and open ourselves to

receiving God’s Word.

Reading the text aloud can be very

helpful.

With words we express to God

feelings and thoughts elicited by our reading of

the text.

Instead of trying to master the text, we

allow the text to master us and lead us to more faithful and abundant living in the larger world.

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the

prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in

these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he

appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made

the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and

the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things

by his powerful word. After he had provided purification

for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in

heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as

the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

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ws 1

:1

-4

Reading and praying dance together . . .

• Some times prayer leads out

• Other times reading initiates

• Or they move in unison . . .

Prayer of Examen . . .

The Prayer of Examen is a daily spiritual exercise developed by Ignatius of Loyola.

The prayer’s practice seeks to grow followers of Jesus in their capacity to discern God’s will, find God in all things, and enhance their understanding of God’s good creation.

The prayer may take between ten and twenty minutes.

– The majority of that time will be spent reviewing your day.

– Try not to dwell too long on thoughts. Instead, allow yourself to become aware and move on.

Like two sides of a door, the prayer of examen has two basic aspects . . .

It is an examen of Consciousness

• Through which we discover how God has been present to us throughout the day and how we have responded to His loving presence.

It is an examen of Conscience

• In which we uncover those areas that need cleansing, purifying and healing.

Both of these “journeys of prayerful examination” are taken with and in the company of the indwelling “Holy Spirit” – it is not a self guided tour, the “means of grace is our guide”

– The Spirit’s word is the last word, not a passing opinion

– The Spirit never speaks through condemnation, only conviction . . .

• Condemnation is generalised – Romans 8:1-2

• Conviction is always specific – John 16:8; Romans 8:12-17

The prayer of examen produces within us the priceless grace of self-

knowledge.

Through faith, self-knowledge leads us to a self-acceptance and a self-love enabling us

to further draw our life from God’s acceptance and love.

Our logo . . . LUKE 24:13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him . . .

"Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Praxis Activity Sampling “Lectio Divina”

Evan Howard and James

Wilhoit’s read us a “how

to” from their book on

Lectio Divina . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lc9s_XdOHg

Don't let anyone look down on you because

you are young, but set an example for the

believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith

and in purity. 13Until I come, devote

yourself to the public reading of Scripture,

to preaching and to teaching.

1 Timothy 4:12

My daily-weekly Exercises and Devotional activity

Epilogue

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.

2As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,

as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress,

so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.

PSALM 123:1

Hello there heaven-dwelling God, I’m looking up to You for help.

Looking for help and direction, not mere rescue – I require mercy.

So I’m looking like a servant does, alert to his master's commands; like a maiden

attending her lady, watching every move. I’m watching and waiting. Slowing my breath, awaiting Your word of mercy.

Mercy, God, mercy! Mercifully grasp me by mercy that I may hear Your words.

(based on Psalm 123:1-3 – Message Bible)