The First Stone

Welcome to DAY 23 of the Lent Lectio Divina series

Throughout these 6 weeks we will pause each day for a few moments to Read a passage of scripture, Reflect on what God is saying to us through it, and Ask the Holy Spirit to help us as we step into the invitation this passage offers us

Before we begin this reading, let’s take a moment to notice our breath as we are filled with God’s peace and rest in the stillness. This week’s breath prayer comes from Mark 4:39 when amidst a stormy sea, buffeted by the waves and wind, Jesus speaks with authority into the chaos and commands the storm “Peace, Be Still”

On your in breath pray “Peace” and once your lungs are completely filled with air hold your breath for a few seconds before praying on the out breathe “Be Still”

“Peace” hold “Be Still”

Today’s Bible Reading comes from John 8:1-11 As we read this passage now, be listening for one word or phrase the Holy Spirit highlights to you. START

1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.

What is one word or phrase the Holy Spirit impressed on you in that reading? Take a moment to MEDITATE on this.

As we move into our second reading, consider how this passage relates to a current area of your life RE-READ PASSAGE 2ND TIME What specific situation in your life does this passage relate to today? Take a moment now to PRAY about this

As we move into our final reading, consider what God is saying to you personally today from this passage.

RE-READ PASSAGE 3RD TIME

What is Christ’s personal invitation to you from this passage today? Take a moment now to CONTEMPLATE this

Let us take this time now into the coming day as we Thank Pappa God for his eternal love Thank Jesus Christ for his sacrificial love And thank the Holy Spirt for his inspiring love Amen