The Shepherds

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
      Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!

 

1-Read receptively for the first time slowly - (pause) come to the scripture with an uncluttered and open heart and mind laying down all burdens.

2-Read for the second time slowly - (pause) come to the scripture with a curious wonder and receive a word or phrase which speaks to you.

3-Read for the third time slowly - (pause)
come to the scripture with thanksgiving and awe
and respond to God with spontaneous praise and prayer.

4-Read for the fourth time slowly- (pause)
come to the scripture with all your brokenness
and rest in God who holds all beingness

5-Be still........aware of the breath......aware of life