Friday, February 25, 2022
This week we approach Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent. To create some reflective space as the season of Lent approaches, we will be engaging in a practice called “Visio Divina.” Simply put, Visio Divina is praying with art and visual imagery. As one author has put it:
“Visio Divina is translated as ‘divine seeing.’ It is related to the prayer form Lectio Divina (divine reading), but instead of Scripture, this form of prayer uses visual elements to help set your mind on prayer. It allows God to speak into your heart through the image.” (read more here)
For the last reflection of this week you are invited to spend some time prayerfully meditating on a work of art and a passage of Scripture related to the theme of God’s glory, shown in Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration. Three songs are provided for the weekend—perhaps listen to one song a day as you pray with the painting, or you may wish to do so in silence. As you gaze at the artwork, pay attention to the movement of your soul. Ask yourself these questions: What does it stir in you? What thoughts, questions, or emotions are stirred? What do you find yourself thinking about? Then spend some time praying over what has stirred in you as a result of the song and the artwork.
Revelation 21:22-25 (NRSV)
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.
The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.
Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.
Song: “Shine on Us” by Cory Asbury
Lyrics: Click here
Song: “You Shine” by Jaye Thomas and Chris Tofilon
Lyrics: Click here
Song: “Shine on Us” by Phillips, Craig, & Dean
Lyrics: Click here
“Worship” by Jun Janosmos
Thursday, February 24, 2022
This week we approach Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent. To create some reflective space as the season of Lent approaches, we will be engaging in a practice called “Visio Divina.” Simply put, Visio Divina is praying with art and visual imagery. As one author has put it:
“Visio Divina is translated as ‘divine seeing.’ It is related to the prayer form Lectio Divina (divine reading), but instead of Scripture, this form of prayer uses visual elements to help set your mind on prayer. It allows God to speak into your heart through the image.” (read more here)
For each of this week’s readings you are invited to spend some time prayerfully meditating on a work of art related to that Scripture. Perhaps listen to the song as you meditate, or you may wish to do so in silence. As you gaze at the artwork, pay attention to the movement of your soul. Ask yourself these questions: What does it stir in you? What thoughts, questions, or emotions are stirred? What do you find yourself thinking about? Then spend some time praying over what has stirred in you as a result of the song and the artwork.
Luke 9:28-36 (NRSV)
Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.
And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.
They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah" -- not knowing what he said.
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.
Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Song: “Transfiguration” by Hillsong
Lyrics: Click here
“Transfiguration” by Peter Paul Rubens
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
This week we approach Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent. To create some reflective space as the season of Lent approaches, we will be engaging in a practice called “Visio Divina.” Simply put, Visio Divina is praying with art and visual imagery. As one author has put it:
“Visio Divina is translated as ‘divine seeing.’ It is related to the prayer form Lectio Divina (divine reading), but instead of Scripture, this form of prayer uses visual elements to help set your mind on prayer. It allows God to speak into your heart through the image.” (read more here)
For each of this week’s readings you are invited to spend some time prayerfully meditating on a work of art related to that Scripture. Perhaps listen to the song as you meditate, or you may wish to do so in silence. As you gaze at the artwork, pay attention to the movement of your soul. Ask yourself these questions: What does it stir in you? What thoughts, questions, or emotions are stirred? What do you find yourself thinking about? Then spend some time praying over what has stirred in you as a result of the song and the artwork.
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 (NRSV)
Since, then, we have such a hope, we act with great boldness, not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to keep the people of Israel from gazing at the end of the glory that was being set aside.
But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside.
Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
Song: “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Holly Halliwell
Lyrics: Click here
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
This week we approach Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent. To create some reflective space as the season of Lent approaches, we will be engaging in a practice called “Visio Divina.” Simply put, Visio Divina is praying with art and visual imagery. As one author has put it:
“Visio Divina is translated as ‘divine seeing.’ It is related to the prayer form Lectio Divina (divine reading), but instead of Scripture, this form of prayer uses visual elements to help set your mind on prayer. It allows God to speak into your heart through the image.” (read more here)
For each of this week’s readings you are invited to spend some time prayerfully meditating on a work of art related to that Scripture. Perhaps listen to the song as you meditate, or you may wish to do so in silence. As you gaze at the artwork, pay attention to the movement of your soul. Ask yourself these questions: What does it stir in you? What thoughts, questions, or emotions are stirred? What do you find yourself thinking about? Then spend some time praying over what has stirred in you as a result of the song and the artwork.
Psalm 99 (NRSV)
The LORD is king; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
The LORD is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples.
Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is he!
Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
Extol the LORD our God; worship at his footstool. Holy is he!
Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel also was among those who called on his name. They cried to the LORD, and he answered them.
He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees, and the statutes that he gave them.
O LORD our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
Extol the LORD our God, and worship at his holy mountain; for the LORD our God is holy.
Song: “Psalm 99” by Sons of Korah
Lyrics: Click here
Image for reflection by Wendy Smith
Monday, February 21, 2022
This week we approach Transfiguration Sunday, the final Sunday before the beginning of Lent. To create some reflective space as the season of Lent approaches, we will be engaging in a practice called “Visio Divina.” Simply put, Visio Divina is praying with art and visual imagery. As one author has put it:
“Visio Divina is translated as ‘divine seeing.’ It is related to the prayer form Lectio Divina (divine reading), but instead of Scripture, this form of prayer uses visual elements to help set your mind on prayer. It allows God to speak into your heart through the image.” (read more here)
For each of this week’s readings you are invited to spend some time prayerfully meditating on a work of art related to that Scripture. Perhaps listen to the song as you meditate, or you may wish to do so in silence. As you gaze at the artwork, pay attention to the movement of your soul. Ask yourself these questions: What does it stir in you? What thoughts, questions, or emotions are stirred? What do you find yourself thinking about? Then spend some time praying over what has stirred in you as a result of the song and the artwork.
Exodus 34:29-35 (NRSV)
Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.
When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him.
But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them.
Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.
When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
Song: “A Face That Shone” by Michael Card
Lyrics: Click here
Image for reflection: Moses Veiled by Ted Larson
Friday, February 18, 2022
Acts 26:9-18 (NRSV)
“Indeed, I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death.
By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.
With this in mind, I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, when at midday along the road, your Excellency, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions.
When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.’
I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The Lord answered, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you. I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’”
After more than 15 years of following the Revised Common Lectionary, I know that making a thematic link between all four texts in a given week can be difficult sometimes.
Take this week, for example. Our two Old Testament texts and our gospel text all speak to how we relate to those who might be “enemies” or those who have treated us harshly. Joseph and his brothers, the psalmist’s persecutors, and then Jesus’ admonition to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us. They all fit together nicely.
Then there’s 1 Corinthians.
At first glace, there’s not much of a link. But I want to propose to you that there is an important link lying just beneath the surface. Because Paul’s text is comparing the First Adam, the man of dust, with the Last Adam (Christ), the man of heaven. In that comparison there is an important addition to our theme for the week.
Our world is broken. The very existence of those we could call “enemies,” or the very fact that our relationships are often broken and stained by hatred and animosity…these are all effects of sin. That’s the legacy of the First Adam.
But the legacy of the Last Adam, Christ, is that sin’s power over this world is broken. Even those who commit the worst sins against us can be forgiven (just as we can be forgiven for the hurts we cause). Every relationship has a potential for reconciliation and transformation because Christ has reconciled us to God and transformed us.
In our 1 Corinthians text we see a glimpse of what lies ahead for every broken relationship, every division of “friend” and “enemy,” every mistreatment perpetrated by one human being against another: rebirth and resurrection. One day there will be no more “enemies” because God will usher in a New Eden of unity, harmony, and love.
Until then, I think our text in 1 Corinthians challenges us to move even beyond loving our enemies. I think it encourages us to pray for their transformation and ours, that by the Holy Spirit our sad divisions might cease.
That’s a whole different realm of resurrection.
For today we offer three songs reminding us of God’s abundant blessings. As our Song Reflections run only Monday through Friday, you may wish to use one a day into the weekend, or you may wish to sit in an extended time of worship and prayer. For your reflection, simply read and pray through the lyrics of each song and reflect on these questions:
What lyrics and words resonate most with your soul right now?
How does that lead you to prayer?
However you make use of these songs and prayers, may God show you his transforming grace as you spend time with him.
Song: “Touch of the Master’s Hand” by Wayne Watson
LYRICS
Well it was battered and scared,
And the auctioneer felt it was hardly worth his while,
To waste much time on the old violin but he held it up with a smile,
Well it sure ain't much but its all we got left I guess we aught to sell it to,
Oh, now who'll start the bid on this old violin?
Just one more and we'll be through.
And then he cried one give me one dollar,
Who'll make it two only two dollars who'll make it three,
Three dollars twice now that's a good price,
Now who's gonna bid for me?
Raise up your hand now don't wait any longer the auctions about to end,
Who's got four Just one dollar more to bid on this old violin?
Well the air was hot and the people stood around as the sun was setting low,
From the back of the crowd a gray haired man,
Came forward and picked up the bow,
He wiped the dust from the old violin then he tightened up the strings,
Then he played out a melody pure and sweet, sweeter than the Angels sing,
And then the music stopped and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low he said now what am I bid,
For this old violin and he held it up with a bow.
And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who'll make it two only two thousand who'll make it three,
Three thousand twice you know that's a good price,
Common who's gonna to bid for me?
And the people cried out what made the change we don't understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch of the Master's hand.
You know there's many a man with his life out of tune,
Battered and scared with sin and he's auctioned cheap,
To a thankless world much like that old violin,
Oh, but then the Master comes,
And that old foolish crowd they never understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is rought,
Just by one touch of the Masters hand.
And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who'll make it two only two thousand who'll make it three,
Three thousand twice you know that's a good price,
Common who's gonna bid for me?
And the people cried out what made the change we don't understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch, that's all it was; it was the touch of the Master's hand,
It was the touch of the Master's hand; oh, it was the touch of the Master's hand.
Song: “Though I May Speak” by Koine
LYRICS
Though I may speak with bravest fire, and have the gift to all inspire, and have not love; my words are vain; as sounding brass, and hopeless gain. Though I may give all I possess, and striving so my love profess, but not be giv'n by love within, the profit soon turns strangely thin. Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control, our spirits long to be made whole. Let inward love guide every deed; by this we worship, and are freed.
Song: “Heal Our Land” by Kari Jobe
LYRICS
You take, our lives
Flawed yet beautiful
Restore, refine
Lord You're merciful
Redeem, revive
Spirit of God
Breathe on Your church
Pour out Your presence
Speak through Your word
We pray in every nation, Christ be known
Our hope and salvation, Christ alone
New power, new wine
As divisions fall
One church, one bride
Jesus, Lord of all
With one voice, we cry
Spirit of God
Breathe on Your church
Pour out Your presence
Speak through Your word
We pray in every nation, Christ be known
Our hope and salvation, Christ alone
Christ alone
So God we pray to You
Humble ourselves again
Lord would You hear our cry?
Lord will You heal our land?
That every eye will see
That every heart will know
The One who took our sin
The One who died and rose
So God we pray to You
Humble ourselves again
Lord would You hear our cry?
Lord will You heal our land?
That every eye will see
That every heart will know
The One who took our sin
The One who died and rose
And when Your kingdom comes
And when at last You call
We'll rise to worship You alone
Spirit of God
Breathe on Your church
Pour out Your presence
Speak through Your word
We pray in every nation, Christ be known
Our hope and salvation, Christ alone
Spirit of God
Breathe on Your church
Pour out Your presence
Speak through Your word
We pray in every nation, Christ be known
Our hope and salvation, Christ alone