GPS GUIDE | Week of July 12, 2020
Weekly Grow-Pray-Study Guide
This week is the culmination of our worship series, "Searching for Beauty - Returning to the Heart of Worship." Each week we're sending out a weekly devotional guide called the GPS - the Grow-Pray-Study Guide - which will provide a weekly supplement of resources to guide you on your journey of faith, as you connect the week's lessons to daily life.

In case you missed it, view this week's online worship service below.
From Beauty to Compassion and Justice
"Emptying ourselves for beauty, we become instruments for the Good.” - Dr. Wendy Farley
READ | Scripture Reading
We often hear today’s reading from Isaiah around the time of Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of the one called the “Prince of Peace.” The people to whom Isaiah writes are oppressed and exiled by their captors. They have known much suffering. When Isaiah writes “how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one who brings good news,” it is not the feet, specifically, that are beautiful, it is the whole message of release from suffering that creates a beautiful peace. It is akin to the saying, “you are a sight for sore eyes!” The image of a messenger that brings good news is a welcome sight and cause for joy. To be part of the restoration of love and peace and hope is our call to unveil more beauty in the world.
You are encouraged to use the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina as you read this week's scripture passage. Try reading the scripture through 3 times, aloud if possible. Pause when a word or phrase seems to “jump out” or “shimmer” as you read. Why does that word or phrase seem to stand out? What is God saying to you in this moment? What action is God calling you to?
Isaiah 52: 7-10 (Inclusive Bible)

How [beautiful] upon the mountains (a)
  are the feet of one who brings good news—
            who announces peace,
            and brings news of happy things,
            and proclaims deliverance,
            saying to Zion, “ Your God reigns!”
Listen! Those who keep watch raise a cry,
  together they shout for joy—
  for they see with their own eyes
  YHWH ’ s restoration of Zion!
Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem!
For YHWH comforts the people,
  and redeems Jerusalem.
YHWH bares a holy arm
  in the sight of all the nations;
  all the ends of the earth will behold
  the salvation of our God!

(a)    Ref: CEB
WATCH | Interview with Dr. Wendy Farley
Here is the final week's video discussion between Dr. Wendy Farley, Professor of Spirituality and Dr. Marcia McFee, Professor of Worship, as they delve deeper into the week's themes and ideas.

Watch the week 6 discussion:
REFLECT | Reflection Questions
These questions - based on the sermon & interview video - can be used as personal reflection questions, or as discussion questions with a friend or small group.
REFLECT | Reflection Questions
These questions - based on the sermon & interview video - can be used as personal reflection questions, or as discussion questions with a friend or small group.
  • Dr. Farley speaks of why she wrote this particular book now–her own need for more resilience in tough times. How has this theology of beauty helped to deepen your ability to deal with the difficult times we are in?

  • As you look at the world, what “assaults on the beauty of beings” do you mourn? What unique thing are you feeling called to do as a result of being “awakened to beauty?”

  • What spiritual practices will you continue from this time in order to “keep your tank full” so that you may be engaged in the work of compassion and justice?
PRACTICE | Weekly Spiritual Practice
This series has been inviting us to integrate spiritual practices into our daily lives as a way of opening to the Divine in deeper ways, thereby training our spirits for compassion in all things. My prayer is that you will continue to use these practices to nourish your soul as a way to keep your heart open to the beauty of the world.

This week's mantra is, "A contemplative life can empty us and ready us to become instruments of the Good.… for the beauty of the earth."

Here's a reminder of the spiritual practices we have learned:
WEEK 1: “Water is life. Water your life so you can water other life… for the beauty of the earth.”

This week's ritual action is a contemplative moment of watering. Set a reminder to pour yourself and drink a glass of water and then refill that same glass and water some other living thing… offering a glass of water to someone else or to a plant, tree, garden, etc. As you do so, allow your mind to slow, your heart to open, your eyes to drink in your surroundings.
WEEK 2: “Your very being is warmed by the presence of diving love. Offer that warmth to others... for the beauty of the earth.”

This week’s ritual action is a time of feeling warmed by God’s love. Set a reminder to spend some time each day being “warmed” by sitting/walking in the sun or sitting/lying while wrapped and cradled in a soft blanket. As you do so, allow your mind to slow, your heart to open, your eyes to drink in your surroundings.
WEEK 3: “Find beauty within the imperfections of life. Be reminded to offer grace for imperfections… for the beauty of the earth”

This week’s ritual action invites us to appreciate beauty with its imperfections. Engage in a contemplative moment of fixing something you’ve been putting off for a time. Does something need some super-glue or spackling or mending? If so, do this with a prayerful intention. 
WEEK 4: “The more we know, the more we know we don’t know. Wonder and awe that leads to care of creation is good… for the beauty of the earth”

This week’s ritual action is a practice of curiosity. Set a reminder to spend some time exploring something you want to know more about. It might be further exploration into what Hubble has taught us about the universe. Or it could be learning more about a particular group of people or a species of animal. Whatever you choose, as you do so, allow your mind to take in the wonder, contemplate the information slowly, and open your heart to wonder. 
WEEK 5: “Look at you! So beautiful, Dearest. So beautiful." Believe this voice of the Divine... for the beauty of the earth.

This week's ritual action is the contemplative practice of letting go. S et a reminder to spend some silent time with your palms open on your lap, thinking about what negative or critical expectations and messages you are holding about what you or others “should be.”  Then, as you pray for help, imagine them lifted and released. You are also encouraged to draw with a dry erase marker or even tube of lipstick a heart in the mirror that you use daily. Remember you are beautiful and loved!
PRAY | This week's prayer requests
  • Prayers for Carol Parrott who will have hip replacement surgery on Wednesday.
  • Charlotte Loter requests prayers for her neighbors Mike and Sarah who lost their 42 year old son unexpectedly.
  • Prayers for those waiting to hear from COVID-19 test results.
  • Continued prayers for Larry Conrad who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
  • Continued prayers for Diane Hammond's sister-in-law in her ongoing battle with cancer.
Catch up with previous GPS devotionals on our website: polkcityumc.org/gps-guide