Find yourself a comfortable position,
Seated or lying down.
And let your body grow still.
If you wish,
You may gently close your eyes or soften your gaze.
Taking a slow breath in.
And a gentle breath out.
Again,
Breathing in.
And out.
For these next few minutes,
Allow your worries to rest in Creator's hands.
To begin,
Silently you may say to yourself,
Here I am,
Lord.
Now,
Listen to the first reading from John 1,
Verses 1-5 in the First Nations Version of the Bible.
Simply hear the words and let them wash over you.
Long ago in the time before all days.
Before the creation of all things.
The one who was known as the Word.
Was there,
Face to face with the Great Spirit.
This word fully represents Creator and shows us who He is and what He is like.
He has always been there from the beginning.
For the Word and Creator are one in the same.
Through the Word all things came into being,
And not one thing exists that He did not create.
Creator's life shined out from the Word,
Giving light to all human beings.
This is the true light that comes to all the peoples of the world and shines on everyone.
The light shines into the darkness.
And the darkness cannot overcome it or put it out.
Sit in silence for a moment.
And notice whether a single word,
Phrase,
Or image seems to gently draw your attention.
And simply notice what is given.
We now read the passage a second time.
Listening again for that one word or phrase that is speaking to you today.
Long ago in the time before all days,
Before the creation of all things.
The One who is known as the Word was there face to face with the Great Spirit.
This word fully represents Creator.
And shows us who he is and what he is like.
He has always been there from the beginning.
For the Word and Creator are one and the same.
Through the Word,
All things came into being,
And not one thing exists that He did not create.
Creator's life shined out from the Word,
Giving light to all human beings.
This is the true light that comes to all the peoples of the world and shines on everyone.
The light shines into darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it or put it out.
Stay with that word or phrase.
Let it echo quietly in your heart.
What does it touch in your life right now?
You're feeling a memory.
A relationship.
A situation.
Simply let this word rest within you.
Allow your reflection to become a simple prayer.
Speaking silently to God about what has stirred in you.
Your gratitude.
Your questions.
Your fears.
Your hopes.
Take a moment to tell God in your own words what this word or phrase awakens in you today.
And if no words come.
It is enough to simply sit before God.
And to be seen.
Gently let go of words and thoughts.
There's nothing to achieve.
And rest in God's presence as best you can.
Let your breathing be natural.
And allow yourself to be silently held just as you are.
If your mind wanders.
Gently return to your word.
Or to the sense of God's quiet presence without judging yourself.
Begin to notice your breath again.
Feel the weight of your body where you are sitting.
And take a moment to notice.
What has stayed with you from this time of prayer?
Is there a simple way you sense this word inviting you to live differently today?
In your relationships?
Your work?
Or your inner life.
Lectio Divina becomes a way of life when we allow the Word to shape not only our thoughts,
But our choices and actions throughout the day.
Thank you for praying with me through John 1,
Verses 1-5.
