Philippians 2:1-2
Stop.
We will revisit a different devotional practice this week. You’ll need a timer, a quiet spot, and about ten minutes for devotions each day this week. Get what you need, take a deep breath, and prepare to hear from our upcoming preaching text.
Listen.
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. – Philippians 2:1-2
Reflect.
We usually use this devotional space to learn more about a text and find a way to connect it to our faith lives this week. This week, we’ll reflect on the text loosely using a process called Examen. This style of meditative, listening prayer invites you to reflect on the day and discern God’s leading through the events. For each devotion this week, you will get five questions to reflect on based on the verses you’ve read. Set your timer for two minutes to reflect on and pray about each question. Allow yourself to hear what God might be saying, even if all you hear is an invitation to be quiet and still:
Paul says “If then there is any encouragement in Christ.” The Greek indicates that he means to say, “If there is any encouragement in Christ – and there is.” Where have you experienced encouragement in faith this week?
What moments of consolation and compassion did you experience this week? Spend time thanking God for them.
Consider a relationship this week where you felt that you were not in full accord and of one mind with another person How does it feel to bring that to God today?
Thinking about your day, what’s one need, event, or question that you want to bring to God in prayer?
How will the promise of love, compassion, and sympathy with others in the name of Jesus Christ carry you into the rest of your week?
Pray.
God, I bring before you all my hopes and disappointments. I hear your voice leading me through both encouragement and discord. Make me an instrument of your love and consolation, today and always. Amen.
Carry On.
How might this process change the way you consider your day? How will it affect your awareness?