March 10, 2024

Psalm 46 & Philippians 4:6-7

Rev. Kristen J. Kleiman

“God hath yet more light and truth to break forth from God’s Holy Word.”  John Robinson spoke these words when he blessed some of his church members as they set off on the journey that would take them from the Netherlands to Plymouth, England to their new home of Plymouth in North America.

These words “God hath yet more light and truth to break forth from God’s Holy Word” were foundational to the United Church of Christ’s “God is still speaking campaign”.

The slogan is twenty years old, and yet it is enduring because God is still speaking to us.  God speaks to us through scripture; God speaks to us through our interactions with others; God speaks to us through quiet; God speaks to us through art.  God has more truth, more wisdom, more light to reveal to us.  God is still speaking every day.

The challenge often is – are we listening?  Are we stopping to hear, to be aware of what God wants to teach us in this moment, through this Bible passage, through this quilt, painting, photograph, or meme?

In Psalm 46, three times, the word “selah” is repeated.  Some believe that this Hebrew word is a musical instruction, inviting the worshipping community to take a breath.  Others take it one step forward and see “selah” as an opportunity to not only take a breath, to take a moment and take in God’s Word, reflecting on what God is still saying to each and every one of us.

As we walk this Lenten journey, as we walk this journey of faith, drawing ever closer to God and opening ourselves up to Christ’s Spirit, I invite you into a time of selah, a time of spiritual practice.  Actually time for three spiritual practices.  A time for you to experience through sight and word what light, what guidance God has yet for you.

The first spiritual practice is called Lectio Divina – divine reading, usually reading of a Bible passage.  There are different ways to practice Lectio Divina.  I am going to invite you to listen to a verse three times.

The first time I read, try not think overly hard about it.  Just let it drift through your mind like clouds.  The second time I read it, let your mind pause on any word that feels right.  The third time, let your mind again pause on a word, maybe the same one, maybe a different one, and then reflect on that word.  What thoughts or prayers does this word bring to mind?  What is God saying to you with this word?

As we enter into this practice of Lectio Divina, I invite you to be comfortable, perhaps close your eyes.

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10)  Take a breath.  Selah.

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10)  Take a breath.  Selah.

“Be still, and know that I am God!  I am exalted among the nations; I am exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46: 10)  Pause.  Pray.  Selah.

What thoughts or prayers did your word bring to mind?  What is God saying to you?

While the Puritans and Pilgrims, our ancestors in faith, were not very keen on visuals in worship, thus why most Congregational churches are fairly plain with clear glass windows, many of us connect with God through art.

On the communion table today is what is called a Worship-scape, a visual landscape to help you again ask that question – God, what are you saying to me in this moment of my life?

This spiritual practice of connecting with God through art is called visio divina so Michael and I also have some photographs for you.  As with lectio divina, I invite you to not think overly hard about each picture.  Take a deep breath and just be open to the pictures.  Let them drift through your mind like clouds.

The second time we share the pictures, let your mind pause on one photo.  Be curious as to what God is saying to you through this photograph.  Close your eyes even and picture it in your mind.  If you would like to continue meditating on any of these photos, please be in touch with me and I will send it to you.

Photographs (through slideshow twice)

Our third spiritual practice, our third opportunity for selah, to take a breath and pause with God is a combination of both lectio divina and visio divina.  I am calling it Doodling Divina.  It is an opportunity to focus on God’s word by drawing.

For those who are online, the scripture will be on the screen in front of you.  I encourage you to write it all out on a piece of paper or to just write the word that God puts upon your heart.

If you do not wish to doodle, I invite you to spend this time in conversation with God.

For those who do wish to enter into this spiritual practice of doodle prayer, I invite you to gather your markers, colored pencils, pen or pencil.

To begin, read the Bible passage along with me – from your bulletin, from the clipboard sheet, or from the screen.  I am intentionally going to read it very slowly – twice.  The second time, pause where God invites you, even as I continue reading.  Pause and connect with one word or phrase.  Circle it.  Draw around it.  Underline it.

Write or draw what it makes you think about – even if it seems silly and far-fetched.  This is not the time to let your mind control.  This is a time for selah, to be open to God’s still speaking voice.

Continue to doodle or write words – including what you think you hear God saying to you in this moment.

If you find that you have come to a place of completion, I invite you to put your hand over your drawings and words and to close your eyes and simply breath.

⁶ Don’t worry about anything;

instead,

pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank him

for all he has done.

⁷ Then you will experience

God’s peace,

which exceeds anything

we can understand.

His peace

will guard your hearts

and minds

as you live

in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-7)

⁶ Don’t worry about anything;

instead,

pray about everything.

Tell God what you need,

and thank him

for all he has done.

⁷ Then you will experience

God’s peace,

which exceeds anything

we can understand.

His peace

will guard your hearts

and minds

as you live

in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 4:6-7)

(30 seconds of quiet meditation)

In this time of worship, it is unlikely that you had as much time as you needed to truly pause and meditate on God’s word.  This coming moment of listening and discernment might not be enough either; however I pray that this moment of selah enabled you to be still and know God.

I pray this moment of selah gave you time to experience God’s peace which exceeds anything we can understand.

I pray that this moment of selah opened you up to a spiritual practice that will help you grow closer to the God of love we know through Jesus Christ, allowing you to be transformed by God’s unconditional love and grace.