On Sunday, August 30, I preached my first sermon at First Congregational Church of Southington. A video recording of the service is available on Facebook and the full text of the sermon is available on the church website.
During the sermon, I shared a poem by Wendell Berry. I have used “The Peace of Wild Things” several times for contemplative prayer groups. Just this week, I recorded a guided lectio divina practice for those who are interested.
I instruct the listener in the audio recording, but here is a brief explanation of lectio divina for those who prefer text guidance. Lectio divina, or divine reading, is an ancient monastic practice. In a full lectio divina prayer, there are four steps: lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation on a key word or phrase), oratio (listen and respond to God), and contemplatio (resting in God’s presence).
The recording guides the listener through a simplified lectio divina practice. During the first reading of the poem, allow the words to wash over you. In the second reading, identify which words or phrases stand out to you. After the final reading, meditate on one word or phrase to hear how God is speaking to you.
Laura Kisthardt 