In the last two editions, I’ve reflected on how we can listen to our community, and how we listen to our church, to better understand what the next phase of the pandemic might look like for us. In this third and final reflection, we think about how we can listen to God. Based on the pattern of the Ignatian examen, this short reflection will help you recognise how God has been at work in your community. 

 

Ask God for light
Whether you reflect with others or alone, set aside a time and space to meet with God. Choose the season you wish to reflect on, whether that’s the whole pandemic, or just a recent phase. Invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your thoughts and guide you.

Give thanks
In testing times, remembering the good is important. Which passages of scripture held you firm through the storm? Which patterns of prayer or routines in your shared life brought joy and comfort? Where have you felt close to God, or sensed God’s presence guiding you?

Thanksgiving psalms can give structure to our thoughts here – you may like to use the pattern of an existing psalm (such as Psalm 34) and compose your own. Include what you have learnt of God’s character, but also the specific events and times where you have witnessed God’s grace.

Look back over the season
Notice what actually happened. This might be easier by scrolling through your social media posts, camera roll, or church newsletters. What were the highlights, the mundane normal days, the difficult times? Where was God at work?

Where were people moved to acts of sacrificial love? When were the proud called to be humble, to be served as well as to serve? What prompted deeper conversations?

Become aware of our shortcomings
As we look back with God, we become aware of the times we have fallen short. We recall people we have encountered over this season, and those who have been missing from our gatherings. We lament injustice in a society that isn’t as Kingdom-shaped as we would wish. We ask God to show us the people who are being marginalised by the way we have chosen to set up our church, our community, our society.

 

Ask God for help
Drawing together what we have reflected on today, and while connecting with our church and our community, we ask God for help. To transform our hearts, to guide our steps, to open our eyes. We look forward with hope.

 

If time spent in reflection has been fruitful for you, you may like to record what you heard or perceived. Passages of scripture might be written somewhere the community can share them, or stories shared in times of celebration or remembrance. Advent brings many opportunities to connect with others, and humility and clarity in these interactions can point to our God of grace and truth. 

These videos are free for anyone to use and are available at https://livingbreath.co.uk/categories/accessible_psalms

 

 

This week sees the launch of our new Quality Forum. Made up of representatives from across the UK, it hopes to be a place where people who Livability supports can shape the care they receive, and inform co-productive and responsive decision-making.

 

On or around 21st November, we celebrate Ability Sunday, with this year’s theme of Connectability. We invite churches around the country to highlight inclusion in church life. Whatever someone’s abilities, or whatever barriers they face, how easy is it for them to be and feel included? 

 

We are excited to invite you to Livability’s Christmas Celebration 2021 – this year we’ll reflect on the opportunities we provide in our work for the people we support to develop skills and abilities.

This event will share the stories of the people we support and the gifts and talents that have been discovered or developed this past year, nurtured by the staff, as we aim to support every child, young person and adult to fulfil their ambitions.