Encounter with God
Week 4
Distraction threatens our minds, bodies, and souls, but practicing solitude allows us to follow Jesus’ example of stepping away from the noise to be fully present with the Father. In this quiet, we hear His voice, rest in His love, and allow the Spirit to shape our thoughts and desires toward Him.
Learn more about practicing the liturgy.
Leader prays. Group Prays.
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Let us share in the joys and sorrows of one another's life.
What has been the highlight of your week?
What has been the low of your week? -
Let’s prepare our hearts in worship.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; God’s mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness, O God.
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the souls that seek God. It is good that we should wait for the coming of the Lord.
Let us worship God! -
We will take a moment in quiet to reflect on our actions this past week. Then, together, we will confess and be reminded that we are the forgiven community.
Most merciful God,
We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved you with our whole heart; We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.
We are truly sorry and we humbly repent, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.
Amen.
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Let us hear the word of the Lord from the Psalms.
You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
– Psalm 63:1-8 (NIV) -
Let us affirm our faith with the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day, he rose again.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the global Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen. -
An introduction to solitude.
Distraction is one of the greatest threats to our minds, bodies, and souls. Through the ancient practice of solitude, we follow Jesus’ rhythm of stepping away from the noise to be fully present with the Father. It is in this quiet space that we make room for His presence and learn to hear His voice, listen, and rest in his love. This slowing down, in silence and solitude, makes room for the Spirit to shape our thoughts and desires toward Jesus.
This week, we examine how solitude can reveal a conflict with the enemy of our souls.
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Let us open the scriptures and learn the story of Christ.
That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
–Mark 1:32-39 (NIV) -
Let’s take a moment to talk through what we have heard, reflecting on what it is saying to us.
What can we learn about this week's practice through this passage?
How can spending time in solitude help you become more aware of God’s presence in your life?
What have you experienced in practicing solitude?
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Let us consider how to follow Jesus in our everyday lives.
Start each day this week by spending a few minutes in solitude, silence, and stillness before God. Begin where you are—even just five minutes of quiet is a meaningful place to start.
If this has been consistent in your life consider extending that time.
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Let us put this into practice and life up the names brought before this community.
As our Savior taught us, so we pray;
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours now and for ever.
Amen. -
Let us confess the Mystery of our Faith.
Christ has died.
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again. -
May we go from this place prepared to reveal the Kingdom of Jesus, together.
Living God, draw us deeper into your love;
Jesus our Lord, send us to care and serve;
Holy Spirit, make us heralds of good news.Stir us, strengthen us,
teach and inspire us to live your love
with generosity and joy, imagination and courage;
for the sake of your world and in the name of Jesus,Amen.
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