By Cameron Silsbee
Begin with Scripture and prayer
Gather together as a Community in a comfortable setting. To frame your time together, have somebody slowly read Ephesians 4v1-6 over the group, and then have someone pray over your time together as a group.
Read this overview
The lived experiences of the authors and recipients of the New Testament letters were saturated in political language, images, and rhetoric. Yet, instead of followers of Jesus fighting tooth and nail for political power, they engaged in a powerful way of life—fidelity to the way of Jesus, each other, and those in need on the margins of society. In this, they left a lasting legacy that far outlived the ebb and flow of Roman political policies. Their legacy is one that is still reverberating today.
Talk through the following discussion questions:
PLEASE NOTE: This practice is not intended to be a space to discuss and debate politicians and policies. Please demonstrate a willingness to listen to people in your Community without correcting, demeaning, arguing, or inserting your opinion. As you read from Paul earlier, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
- How has the recent political atmosphere been affecting your mood?
- What part does prayer play in your life, and how do you relate to politics?
- In what ways do you find politics making it easier and more difficult to grow in love for your neighbor and for God?
Discuss the coming week’s Practice
This week, take time to practice Lectio Divina (see below if you are unfamiliar with this practice) through these three texts:
Day one: 1 Timothy 2v1-4
Day two: James 1v26-27
Day three: Philippians 3v18-21
These are the steps of Lectio Divina:
Read: Slowly and carefully read the text to yourself. Take your time. As you move through the text, pay close attention to what words and ideas draw your attention in unique ways. When your focus is drawn to a particular word or thought, pause momentarily to reflect on them.
Reflect: Upon completing the passage, return to the beginning and read again. On your second time through the text, allow it to connect with you personally. Which words or phrases assume a particular significance in your heart, your season of life, or your relationships? Write these down.
Respond: Talk to God about your experience. If you’re confused, say that. Moved? Express gratitude to God. Upset? Tell him about it. If the text has brought something else to mind, talk to God about that.
Rest: Finish your time by sitting quietly in God’s presence. You might express wonder, awe, gratitude, or praise through words, or you might allow yourself to feel and experience these things in silence before God.
Close in prayer with the Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son], who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.