Welcome to our weekly Friday Check-in for December 13th, 2024 âś…
If you are new to Soul Care, WELCOME!! We are so glad you are here. We have a weekly rhythm of checking in together on Fridays. We use Mindy Caliguire's Page, Person, Plan framework to create a weekly rhythm and prepare ourselves for Sabbath rest.
Happy second week of Advent! If you’d like to engage daily Scripture readings and reflections throughout Advent as we prepare for Christ’s coming, join our Advent Group to download the free Soul Care Advent Guide.
Let’s carve out a few minutes now to check in: take a deep breath, maybe stretch a little, and quiet yourself before the Lord.
Page: An Invitation to Reflection
Throughout this month, we’ll be meditating on Matthew 5:14-16 (NRSV):
You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Spend a few minutes journaling in response to this passage... even if you’ve already spent time with these verses during the retreat, return to it again and see if anything different stands out to you today:
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First Reading: What stands out to you most? Is there a particular word or phrase?
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Second Reading: As you read through it again… ask God, “to what area of my life does that particular word or phrase connect?”
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Third Reading: And as you read a third time, be asking God, “Is there an invitation for me?” Is there a response of some kind that God is inviting you into?
Person: An Invitation to Connection
Mindy Caliguire writes, “In this season of Advent, perhaps we could offer ourselves to God and our communities as bearers of... Light. Not manufacturers, not creators, not pushers… simply bearers of light.”
As you sit with the passage from Matthew and consider the word “SHINE” which was introduced in our Semi-Silent retreat, here are few questions to ponder:
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How do you experience God’s light in connection to others?
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Is there any area of your life, or any relationships, that feel shrouded in darkness, and what would it mean for you to invite God’s light into that area / into that relationship?
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What does it mean for you to be a bearer of Light? What immediately comes to mind as you hear that phrase?
Take time to turn your thoughts into a prayer in this moment.
Plan: An Invitation to Intention
Let’s practice PEACE with intention this week!
How do you practice peace? What helps bring you a sense of God’s reassuring, peace-giving presence? As the week progresses, try to pause in moments of stress or chaos... whether it be in the car in traffic, inside a crowded shop, or at home amongst the people and things that pull for your attention .... and DELIBERATELY.... PAUSE. Take several slowing breaths, deep and long.
Focus your attention on one thing beside you or around you that reminds you of “God-with-us.” Stay there, breathing deeply in awareness of God-with-you, for as long as you need.
In closing, end with this week's Advent prayer:
Dear Lord, throughout this second week of Advent keep me in perfect peace - shalom shalom - as I focus my mind and heart on the truth of your powerful love. Thank you for Your truth and grace. Help me to trust fully in You and rest in the peace that You offer. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Thanks for checking in today.