A practice introduced in an earlier episode, the Examen allows us to notice the ways in which God is present in our lives and help us become more sensitive to these moments. The First step, known as the Examen of Consciousness, is indented to help us focus on the level of our awareness of God. The Second Step is known as the Examen of Conscience. Join the Rev. Nancy Debelius as she guides us through step two of this practice.

SHOW NOTES:

Step one of the Examen can be found here: https://unitedmethodistsofuppern.subspla.sh/

The spiritual practice of study is intended to direct your attention repeatedly on God and things of God. Some might mistake this practice for meditation, but there are differences. Join the Rev. Nancy Dibelius as she guides us through study.

SHOW NOTES:

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Originating in the third and fourth centuries with the dessert mothers and fathers, Lectio Divina, or “holy reading,” became a well-established practice of monastic life. This practice was originally used with the psalms but can be used with any scripture. In this episode, the Rev. Nancy Dibelius uses the lectionary for April 21, the fourth Sunday of Easter.

The Bible is full of teachings about accumulating wealth and hoarding possessions. Simplicity is focused on putting possessions in proper perspective. Join the Rev. Nancy Dibelius as she guides us through the spiritual practice of simplicity.

Confession is not something we are drawn to. It brings up uncomfortable words, like “sin.” We can all acknowledge that we sin, but forgiveness can come when we come before God and confess our failures. Join the Rev. Nancy Dibelius as she introduces the spiritual discipline of confession.

SHOW NOTES:

UM Hymnal, page 8, the prayer of confession as part of the Communion liturgy

UM Hymnal, pages 890-893, a variety of prayers of confession.

The Examen podcast: https://unitedmethodistsofuppern.subspla.sh/

Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer. The practice was originally used with the psalms but can be used with any scripture. Listen as the Rev. Nancy Dibelius guides us through Lectio Divina using part of Psalm 51, a reading from the lectionary for the fifth week of Lent.

What does it mean to be in service with one another? Listen as the Rev. Nancy Dibelius talks about the Christian discipline of service to build community as a part of mercy, compassion, and justice.