Grandville Michigan

Faith Practices Encouragement
Session 2 — Engaging Scripture
(Faith Practices book, p.24-26)

Arrival and Fellowship

Invitation

“For everything that was written in the past, was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

Prayer

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we open our hearts to you in this continuing journey. Fill us and shape us. Amen. (adapted from prayer in Faith Practices book, p. 8)

Reflections on last session – reflections on practicing gratitude

What is one item you would like to highlight as you reflect on gratitude.

Share

  • How was Scripture engagement a part, or not a part , of my family life growing up?
  • Do I generally learn best by seeing, hearing, or doing? How might that affect the ways I engage with Scripture?
  • How might I live into the idea of Scripture being “a light to my path” in daily living (Ps. 119:105)? (question from online resource)

Reflections on Engaging Scripture

  • What Is Scripture Engagement? 

The practice of engaging Scripture immerses us in the true story of God’s faithful love so that we become more like Jesus as we grow in recognizing God, ourselves, and the world around us.

https://www.crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject/engaging-scripture

  • “The most important question we ask of [a Bible] text is not ‘What does this mean?’ but ‘What can I obey?’” – Eugene Peterson in Eat This Book

Lectio divina 

(see Faith Practices book, page 10 – 11 for lectio divina overview)

Three passages are mentioned in the Engaging Scripture session on page 25. A suggestion is to focus on Luke 24:45-49 for lectio divina.  Luke 24:45-49 ~ Scripture fulfilled in Jesus.

Prayer:

  • For fellowship with the risen Jesus
  • For spiritual renewal and refreshment
  • Other items you would like to lift in prayer. 

Review between sessions overview -below

Blessing:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 

Between Sessions

1)    Gratitude journal

Each day write down 2 or 3 things that you are thankful for.

2) Practicing Engaging Scripture

  • Wondering questions: Asking “wondering questions” is a powerful way to explore God’s story. These open-ended questions encourage curiosity and often spark deep discussion. Sample wondering questions:
  • What do you wonder about this story?
  • What is God doing through the people and events in this story?
  • If you were the main character in this story, what would you do?
  • How might this story change the way you think or act?
  • https://www.crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject/engaging-scripture/engaging-scripture-recommended-resources

For the days, a suggestion is to read from the gospel of Mark, and as you read consider the above questions.  You are encouraged to write down a few thoughts in response to above questions.

Mark 2: 1-12               Jesus heals a paralyzed man.
Mark 4: 35-41             Jesus calms a storm.
Mark 5:21-43              Jesus raises a dead girl.
Mark 6:45-56              Jesus walks on water.
Mark 8:1-10                Jesus feeds four thousand people.
Mark 9:14-32              Jesus heals a young boy.
Mark 14:12-26            Jesus holds the Lord’s Supper.
Mark 15:21-47            Jesus dies and is buried.
Mark 16:1-20              Jesus is raised again.

3) Additional suggested Scripture Readings for Engaging Scripture

https://www.crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject/engaging-scripture/engaging-scripture-scripture-readings

As you read these Scripture passages and questions, you are encouraged to write down a few thoughts in response to the questions provided. 

4) Resources for continuing enrichment:

 An encouragement:  Perhaps volunteers in the group would be willing to explore a section on the website under How Can I Practice… and share takeaways at the next meeting. The practice section headings are the following: individually, with a group, as a family.  Would a group member be willing to explore one of these sections?

BACK