God Bless Us All: Spiritual Exercises for Gen 12

On Sunday mornings at Highland, we’re covering the story of the Bible in our series “The True You.” The series covers 16 texts suggested by Chris Bruno in his book “The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses.”

Last Sunday we looked at text #5 – Gen. 12:2-3 and God’s heartbeat for people of all races, nations and tribes.

Here are some spiritual exercises to help make that text part of your story:

Making His Story Your Story

1. Adapted Lectio Divina (“divine reading”): during 4-5 days this week, take Gen. 12:2-3 and
   1. Read  – read it slowly, repeatedly, prayerfully,
   2. Reflect – notice what word or phrase catches your attention; consider what God may be trying to say to you through that word or phrase,
   3. Respond – talk to God about what you are hearing through that text,
   4. Rest – sit in stillness and contentment.
2. Adapted Examen: during 4-5 days this week, write down 2-3 ways in which you have experienced or expressed God’s blessings.
3. Post a picture on social media for 4-5 days this week of something that represents God’s love of “all the families of the earth” and use the hashtag #alltheearth
4. Community Questions (find a friend, small group, spiritual companion or spiritual director and have them ask you these questions):
   1. How have you experienced God’s blessing recently?
   2. What experiences of exclusion have you experienced recently?
   3. How is God inviting you to share his blessing with others?