Making Room: An Intentional Pause for Ministry Leaders

Week Two: Making Room for the Unexpected

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Silence

Be still and attentive to God’s presence within and all around you



Luke 1:41-45 (NRSV)

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”



Meditation

Close your eyes. Breathe deeply of God’s Spirit and grace.

What a holy moment between these two women. Given their unusual circumstances, each of them had to carry worry with their wonder; yet the writer of Luke doesn't dwell on that. In a three-month visit, Luke emphasizes this brief scene: a moment filled with noticing and naming, delight and joy. Elizabeth doesn't let a leap of responsive joy in her womb go unremarked. Her attentiveness is contagious. Her making room for the unexpected also makes room for Mary's song of hope.

Reflection

+ How have you experienced God's presence in the unexpected?

+ In the midst of lengthy to-do lists and the stresses or worries of this season, what small practice or action will help you be attentive to and make room for the unexpected?

Silence

Breathe deeply of God’s Spirit and grace.



A Prayer for You as a Ministry Leader

Hold your hands or arms in a posture of receiving.

Gracious Lord Jesus, pour out your Spirit on your servant, (name). For their/my sake, give them/me a heart that is attentive to your movement and presence. Guide them/me to delight in unexpected moments and be nourished by your Spirit. Lighten the burden of details and refresh them/me daily for their/my holy work in all facets of life. Amen.


Blessing

In darkness and in light, you are held, you are loved, you are enough. Amen.

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