Why should we embrace quiet in hard times?

Digital Liturgy

Solitude (3/26)

Opening Prayer (say aloud if alone, say aloud together in community) 

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Spirit of the living God 

Fall fresh on me 

Spirit of the living God 

Fall fresh on me 

Make me 

Mold me 

Fill me  

Use Me 

Spirit of the living God 

Fall fresh on me 

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Affirmation of Faith (say aloud if alone, say aloud together in community) 

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I believe in God the Father Almighty;

Maker of Heaven and Earth;

and in Jesus Christ His only (begotten) Son our Lord;

who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,

born of the Virgin Mary; 

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

He descended into hell; 

the third day He rose from the dead; 

He ascended into heaven;

and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; 

from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; 

the holy *Catholic Church; 

the communion of saints; 

the forgiveness of sins; 

the resurrection of the body; 

and the life everlasting. 

Amen

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*”Catholic Church” refers to the universal global church that transcends time, space, and culture

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Text

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Lamentations 3:24-26

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 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.
It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.

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Podcast (listen to the sermon here)

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Examen 

1. Give thanks

Spend a few moments in gratitude for the gifts and blessings of the day. In what ways does being aware of God's presence lead to gratitude in your life?  

2. Ask for light

Ask God to enlighten you, showing where he has been at work and present in your day through events, people and places.

3. Examine the day

Review the moments of the day, noticing what has led to consolation and what has led to desolation and my reactions to these events, people and places. 

4. Seek forgiveness

Ask God's forgiveness for the times when you have acted, spoken or thought contrary to his grace and calling for you.

5. Resolve to change

Decide what in your behavior or attitude you will try to improve in the coming week.

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Monthly Practices

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After learning the biblical basis for a topic through the sermons in Celebration, each village will determine how they want to practice that topic for the following month together. The Digital Liturgy will contain suggestions to help frame our imagination towards a practice for the following month. 

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Imagination

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The NIV Bible Commentary gives us insightful words on solitude. May this article expand our imagination for how we can practice solitude next month: How to Practice Spiritual Solitude - Spiritual Disciplines

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Resource List 

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Here is a list of suggested books for personal reading and reflection or for DNA Groups to walk though together. 

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Solitude:

• Praying like Monks, Living Like Fools - Tyler Staton 
• How to hear God, a simple guide for normal people - Pete Greig  
• Meditations of the Heart - Howard Thurman 
• Sacred Rhythms - Ruth Hailey Barton 
• Book of Common Prayer for Ordinary Radicals - Shane Claiborne 

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If you need assistance in getting any of these books, send an email of your name and address with which book you’re interested in to info@citizensakron.com and we would love to get you a book! 

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Podcast (listen to the sermon here)

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[Link to podcast goes here]

‍

Examen 

1. Give thanks

Spend a few moments in gratitude for the gifts and blessings of the day. In what ways does being aware of God's presence lead to gratitude in your life?  

2. Ask for light

Ask God to enlighten you, showing where he has been at work and present in your day through events, people and places.

3. Examine the day

Review the moments of the day, noticing what has led to consolation and what has led to desolation and my reactions to these events, people and places. 

4. Seek forgiveness

Ask God's forgiveness for the times when you have acted, spoken or thought contrary to his grace and calling for you.

5. Resolve to change

Decide what in your behavior or attitude you will try to improve in the coming week.

‍

Monthly Practices

‍

After learning the biblical basis for a topic through the sermons in Celebration, each village will determine how they want to practice that topic for the following month together. The Digital Liturgy will contain suggestions to help frame our imagination towards a practice for the following month. 

‍

Imagination

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Ruth Haley Barton gives us insightful words on solitude. May this article expand our imagination for how we can practice solitude next month: https://transformingcenter.org/2009/08/invitation-to-solitude-and-silence-experiencing-gods-transforming-presence-2/

‍

Resource List 

‍

Here is a list of suggested books for personal reading and reflection or for DNA Groups to walk though together. 

‍

Solitude:

• Praying like Monks, Living Like Fools - Tyler Staton 
• How to hear God, a simple guide for normal people - Pete Greig  
• Meditations of the Heart - Howard Thurman 
• Sacred Rhythms - Ruth Hailey Barton 
• Book of Common Prayer for Ordinary Radicals - Shane Claiborne 

If you need assistance in getting any of these books, send an email of your name and address with which book you’re interested in to info@citizensakron.com and we would love to get you a book!