Baptism of the Lord: The First Day: Genesis 1:1-5

https://youtu.be/wycuSUeykkg

Genesis 1:1-5

¹In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, ²the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. ³Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. ⁴And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. ⁵God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

• Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
• Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
• The morning brings a new beginning as God continues to create.
• Feel God’s breath at work.  (You might want to sit by the window or move outside)
• Hear the words, “Let there be light.”
• Notice the light around you.  Is is silent or dynamic?  Is it still or dancing?
• What new creation do you see with the light?
• Notice the darkness around you.  Is is silent or noisy?  Is it still or moving?
• Invite the light into the darkness.  What do you see?
• What senses are awakening in you at the promise of new creation?
• What is God's invitation for you today?
• Follow the light today and be open to the new thing God is creating.
• 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, January 10, 2021, the Baptism of the Lord (Year B)

Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29:1-11
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings.  (c) 2021 The Rev. Dr. Lil Smith, DASD

Rev. Dr. Lil Smith is a trained spiritual director, supervisor, and co-founder of Retreat House Spirituality Center in Richardson, TX.  Upon completion of her spiritual direction certification, Lil began Praying the Lectionary in 2011 as a spiritual practice for her morning prayer time.  Instead of reading about someone else’s experience of God, it was important for her to create a prayer practice that would encourage felt sense experience of the Holy emerging from within.  It dawned on her others might enjoy the practice, as well.  So she began to share them on this site.

As you experience the practice of Praying the Lectionary, adopt a loving, caring, and compassionate stance.  If the end of your prayer and meditation time is not pointing to love and hope, there is more work to do.  Keep wrestling.  God is faithful to your journey.  Love and hope will emerge.  Be gentle with yourself and befriend any judgment that arises in you.