Welcome friends,
Today we're going to practice Lexio Divina,
Pronounced Lexio Divina.
It is a gentle way of sitting with scripture,
Slowly,
Prayerfully,
And with an open heart before God.
Take a soft breath in,
And let it go slowly.
If it feels comfortable,
Relax your shoulders.
Unclench your jaw.
Let your body begin to settle.
You do not need to rush here.
You do not need to perform here.
You are simply invited to be with Jesus.
Our scripture today is from Matthew 11 28.
Come unto me,
All ye that labor and are heavy laden,
And I will give you rest.
Take a moment and just notice those words.
Now,
I'll read it again.
Come unto me,
All ye that labor and are heavy laden,
And I will give you rest.
As you listen,
Notice that word or phrase gently standing out to you.
Do not force it.
Just receive it.
Maybe it is come unto me.
Maybe it is heavy laden.
Maybe it is I will give you rest.
Let that phrase stay with you now.
I'll read the verse one more time slowly.
Come unto me,
All ye that labor and are heavy laden,
And I will give you rest.
Jesus is not asking you to earn rest.
He is offering it.
He is not asking you to come perfect.
He is asking you to draw near.
If your heart feels tired,
Come.
If your mind feels full,
Come.
If your body feels heavy,
Come.
If you've been carrying too much for too long,
Come.
And hear his words again.
I will give you rest.
Take a slow breath in and let it go.
Lord Jesus,
Thank you that we do not have to strive for your love.
Thank you that you welcome the weary.
Thank you that you meet us in our heaviness with gentleness and rest.
Help us receive your words deeply today.
Let your peace settle over our hearts,
Our minds,
And our bodies.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Stay with that scripture for a few moments more today.
Come unto me,
And I will give you rest.
Amen.
