Dear St. Lukers,
I am so excited to preach this Sunday because our scripture is from Romans 12. A few years ago, when we were studying the Simplify series, we asked everyone to find their scriptural “life verse”—something that helps you live more purposefully and, when you hear it or come to it in prayer or devotion, brings you back to the simplicity of life: loving God, others, and self.
I couldn’t choose just one, being the rebellious, problem child I have been since school. I picked an entire chapter. Romans 12, with particular emphasis on verses 1-3.
So, brothers and sisters, because of God’s mercies, I encourage you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to God. This is your appropriate priestly service. 2 Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature. – Romans 12: 1-3 (CEB)
Verse 3 will be our theme verse for this Sunday as we seek ways to self-care for our minds so that we might live into the commandment to love God, others, and ourselves with all of our minds.
There’s a LOT of NOISE in the world right now trying to conform our minds to things of this world. So, I have two things I want you to do this week to prepare for Sunday worship. Consider it your homework prep for worship:
- Turn down the noise each day, at least 2x a day: Make a RUTHLESS inventory of what adds just NOISE to your mind, and TURN IT OFF! Turn off the TV, the email, the news, social media – fast from it at least 2x a day for a set period of time, or maybe even fast from some of it the next few days. Give your mind a sabbath from the noise and instead do whatever it takes to listen to your life, the beauty of creation, the love of family, and God’s voice. Take deep breaths, open scripture, and play with those you love. Let your mind have sabbath rest at least 2x a day from now until Sunday.
- Use the rest of Romans 12 as a daily examen prayer in the tradition of Saint Ignatius. Pray it in the morning as an offering to God of how you will love with your heart, soul, and mind, and then mid-day and the evening before you sleep; pray it as a means of examining your heart, your actions, and yes, your mind. How are you loving and living according to Paul’s words? What’s getting in your way or holding you back? Let your mind examine your heart.
Take note of how these two practices shape your mind and heart. Then, join me for worship on Sunday as we worship God together with our minds. I can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday!
Grace and peace –
Jenn.