Stay Treat Outline
Welcome to a unique space of communal reflection, contemplation, and prayer. Below is a rough outline of what we’ve planned for our time together.
Where?
We’ll be meeting at the Morcom Rose Garden near the Jean Street Entrance (click here for geolocation). If you'd like to read more on the history of the garden, click here.
When?
10am-12noon. Try to be on time :)
What to Bring
-Yoga mat, blanket, or chair for sitting
-A journal or something to make notes
-Some sort of object from home that represents you or has a spiritual significance to you. No worries if you don't bring anything; we'll be using this as an icebreaker, and you can also just talk about an object.
-Comfortable clothes. The current weather forecast is in the high 70s.
-An open spirit :)
0) Opening: Pause & Pray
As you begin, take some time to slow down your breathing and center on being present. Find a comfortable place to sit, close your eyes, and set an intention. Ask God to be present to you in this time.
1) Introductions and Spiritual Show and Tell
Share your name and tell us about the object that you brought (optional)
2) Lectio Divina
Lectio Devina means “Devine Reading” and it’s been a deeply held practice within the Christian community for centuries. In this time we’ll read the following selected Biblical passage three times and then take some time to listen in community to what is speaking to us.
Psalm 121
Assurance of God’s Protection
A Song of Ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.
3) Breath-work Exercise or Meditation
A Meditation for Grounding
4) Moment of Silence and Song
Verse 1:
I've walked among the shadows
You wiped my tears away
And I've felt the pain of heartbreak
And I've seen the brighter days
And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowest place
And I have held the blessings
God, You give and take away
Pre-Chorus:
No matter what I have, Your grace is enough
No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love
Chorus:
On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain, I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley, I know I am not alone
You're God of the hills and valleys
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone
Verse 2:
I've watched my dreams get broken
In You, I hope again
No matter what, I know I'm safe inside Your hand
5) Solitude and Listening
Consider spending some time in silence and quiet reflection. Listen for what might be coming up in your spirit and for God’s voice. Be sure to bring a journal and do your best to turn screens off. Also, consider taking something small and appropriate from the area home as a symbol of your shared intention.
6) Spiritual Show and Tell pt. 2
Share anything that resonated or spoke to you during your time of solitude and listening (optional)
7) Closing your time with the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For theirs is the kingdom, the power and glory forever and ever. Amen