2 Corinthians 6:1-13
1As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. 2For he says,
“At an acceptable time I have listened to you,
and on a day of salvation I have helped you.”
See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! 3We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, 4but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, 5beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; 6by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, 7truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; 8in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see — we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; 10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
11We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. 12There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. 13In return — I speak as to children — open wide your hearts also.
- Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
- Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
- Scan your mind.
- What is keeping you from opening your heart?
- Let this obstacle be your focus. Find where you are holding this obstacle in your body.
- Imagine gently taking this obstacle out of your body and holding it before you. Take any preparation time you need.
- As you hold this obstacle before you, decide if you want to set it aside.
- As you look at the obstacle, where do you see God in the obstacle?
- Allow God to hold the obstacle for you.
- Notice the space that is created within you that once held the obstacle. What do you notice about this space?
- Do you feel light or heavy? Tension or freedom? Cold or warm?
- Breathe into this space that has been created.
- Savor the space that has been created.
- Listen to what arises from within you.
- What message do you hear from God?
- Return to the obstacle that God is holding for you.
- You may allow God to continue holding this obstacle or you may imagine yourself placing the obstacle within you.
- Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, June 24, 2012, the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
I Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23) 32-49
1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 10-16
Psalm 9:9-20
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD.