¶ Centering Prayer and First Scripture Reading
As we come into prayer today, we bring our honest and authentic selves to God, and we ask God to quiet us with his love. God says in Psalm forty six verse ten Be still and know that I am God Match these words with the rhythm of your breathing in these moments of quiet centering. Before you listen to this first reading of the text, Ask God to remove any preconceived notions about what the Scripture means or how you might apply it to your life.
And instead receive it as God's fresh word spoken to you. There's no need to analyze or use it right now. Just listen. Our scripture reading today is from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1 to 6. Listen to God's word. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? for we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.
When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him. And calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born, They told him in Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet. And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. For from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.
¶ Second Reading and Personal Reflection
For this second reading, listen for a word or phrase that catches your attention, that comes into bold print or shimmers for you. Maybe it's a word or phrase that stirs your curiosity, or comforts you, or even agitates you. Listen for a word or phrase from Scripture that invites you to pause and linger. In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem asking, Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews?
for we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him. And calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born, They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet. And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah.
For from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. If a word or phrase has come into bold print for you, linger with it. What thoughts or feelings arise in you as you hold this word or phrase? How does this word or phrase intersect with your life right now?
¶ Third Reading and Conversing with God
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem asking, Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews? for we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.
And calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born, They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet. And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. For from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.
Whatever you're noticing about your response to this word or phrase from Scripture, Bring it into conversation now with God and listen for how God is responding to you through his word. What is God's invitation or call to you? How will you respond?
¶ Final Reading and Resting in God
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. Wise men from the east came to Jerusalem asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, And calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, He inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet, And you, Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah. For from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people, Israel. In the quiet, simply rest in the presence of God. No words are necessary. Simply enjoy this place of communion with a God who loves you. In the trustworthy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer. Amen.