Group Discernment

"The joy and wonder of us all attending to God’s Spirit and discerning well together is the testimony that God is working among us. There is something truly magnificent and incredibly tender about any group of people who will let themselves be pliable to that movement of God’s Spirit in community. It is a sign that Christ’s reign has come on earth as it is in heaven.... The good news is that it is never too late to learn to listen to God together! In my experience we sometimes despair because we reserve discernment for those big deal decisions. Or we think we have to change the polity of the entire organization before we can do any good. What seems to work better is to start with the regular and routine things with whomever is willing to be a listening community with you—your family, your spiritual friends or small group. Start where you have the freedom to be authentic with one another and experiment with the principles and practices as a group."

~ Jan Wood
Co-author of Practicing Discernment Together, in a recent online discussion about the book

Discernment

"St. Ignatius of Loyola notes that sin is unwillingness to trust that what God wants is our deepest happiness. Until I am absolutely convinced of this I will do everything I can to keep my hands on the controls of my life, because I think I know better than God what I need for my fulfillment."

~ David Benner (quoted in Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Calhoun, p. 99)

Oct 18-24 Lectio Passages: Discernment

The passages below are suggestions for reading, meditation, and Lectio this week. Feel free to post your comments or reflections about these passages. The Lectio Divina prompts are also here for your use.

Oct 18 -- Romans 12:1-2
Oct 19 -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Oct 20 -- James 1:5-8
Oct 21-- Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Oct 22 -- Isaiah 42:16
Oct 23 -- John 10:10
Oct 24 -- Proverbs 3:5-6

Read: Seek a phrase, word, or verse that attracts your attention. Repeat that phrase to yourself or write it down. Savor the text.

Reflect: What meaning is offered to you as you consider the phrase or verse?

Respond: What response do you have to the word? What is God's invitation to you?

Rest: Relax in God's transforming power and presence.