Good Fruit: Spiritual Exercises for Genesis 3

On Sunday mornings at Highland we are exploring 16 texts that summarize the key moments in the story of the Bible (these are taken from Chris Bruno’s book The Whole Story of the Bible in 16 Verses).

On Sunday, May 13, we took up texts #3 and #4–Gen. 3:6-7 and Gen. 3:15.

Here are some spiritual exercises designed help make that part of God’s story your story:

Making His Story Your Story

1. Adapted Lectio Divina (“divine reading”): during 4-5 days this week, take 1 of these 2 texts (Gen. 3:6-7 and Gen. 3:15) 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 things each day that demonstrate God is a God of provision more than a God of prohibition.
3. Post a picture on social media for 4-5 days this week of something you are trusting God with/ entrusting into God’s hands and use the hashtag #intohishands.
4. Community Questions (find a friend, small group, spiritual companion or spiritual director and have them ask you these questions):
   1. Over the last week/ month, in what ways have you succumbed to the tendency to take control/ take charge?
   2. In the last week/ month, how has God shown himself to be worthy of your trust?
   3. What would you point to in your experience over the last week/ month as evidence of Jesus’ victory over the serpent/ Satan?