Begin by listening to the guided contemplative prayer
and move into the scripture reading and exercises below.
Follow these guides as you read the passage several times:
1st time through: Slowly and prayerfully read the passage. Simply open yourself up to God and let the words of scripture sink in.
2nd time through: Prayerfully read through the passage looking for a word or phrase that feels highlighted to you by the Holy Spirit. If nothing is illuminated, simply choose a word or phrase you find meaningful. Meditate on that word or phrase, allowing some space before moving to the next step. Reflect on why that word or phrase may have been highlighted to you.
3rd time through: Prayerfully engage with what God might be trying to say or might be wanting to give to you in this time. How might God be inviting you to respond? What might God be inviting you into?
4th time through: Rest in the love that God has for you. Practice being and feeling God’s love towards you, Gods presence with you.
Revelation 21:1-7 CEB
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring. 7 Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters.
Turn your attention now to the painting.
What do you notice about the painting? Glance over every part.
Prayerfully move your eyes around the art piece looking for a portion that is highlighted to you. If the Spirit does not illuminate a portion for you to meditate on, don’t worry, simply choose a piece you find interesting. Look deeply at the portion you have chosen and take in all the details you can. Reflect on why that portion of the art piece might have been highlighted to you.
Engage by asking God to draw connections for you. How is the portion of the art piece you have been meditating on connected to your present reality? How is it connected to the scripture you just read? What might God be inviting you into?
Finish this exercise by resting in the love that God has for you. You are beloved.
