Devotional
A liturgical program and instructional outline for a Communion service held at SD First Church of the Nazarene on November 2, 2014. The document includes scripture readings from Matthew (26:17-20, 26-28, 30), John (16:13-15), 2 Corinthians (5:17, 19, 21), Hebrews (10:10), and 1 John (1:2, 1:9), as well as a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). The text provides specific liturgical instructions for both the 'Both Services' and 'Classic Service' formats, including the distribution of elements, the lifting of the bread and cup, and administrative notes regarding transitions between speakers (Ron Benefiel and Justin) and the collection of the offering.
Matthew 26:17-20, 26-28, 30 · John 16:13-15 · 2 Corinthians 5:17, 19, 21
Devotional
A collection of excerpts from H. L. Sidney Lear's presentation of the writings of Jean Nicolas Grou (1731-1803) regarding the interior life. The text includes a biographical preface of Père Grou, detailing his Jesuit education, his exile in England during the French Revolution, and his approach to spiritual writing. The document outlines theological principles for spiritual growth, specifically addressing the importance of a 'childlike spirit,' the dangers of refined self-love, and the definition of true devotion as a fixed habit of mind rather than passing emotion. It further provides practical methods for attaining holiness, including the use of a daily rule, the recollection of God's presence, and the practice of mental prayer.
Romans 11:35 · Romans 11:29
Devotional
A devotional study guide for the First Epistle of John, organized by thematic sections (e.g., 'The Life Appearred', 'Forgiveness and Cleansing', 'Antichrists'). The document pairs specific biblical passages from 1 John 1–5 with reflective, interpretive questions intended for meditation. These questions address theological nuances, such as the sequence of cleansing and forgiveness, the interpretation of 'world' and 'antichrist' in contemporary life, and the application of contrasts between light and darkness.
1 John 1:1-10 · 1 John 2:1-29 · 1 John 2:12-14
Devotional
A devotional study titled 'From Bethel to Peniel: A Study of Jacob (Genesis 25:19--35:29),' specifically focusing on 'Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:1-22).' The text examines Jacob's reaction to his dream at Bethel, analyzing his sense of awe, fear, and the recognition of the site as the 'house of God.' The author draws parallels between Jacob's experience and Moses at the burning bush, references Rudolf Otto's concept of the 'mysterium tremendum,' and incorporates personal reflections on experiencing the holy in a small church in Valentine, Nebraska. The document also discusses Jacob's transition from verbal realization to physical ritual through the setting up of a stone pillar.
Genesis 25:19-35:29 · Genesis 28:1-22 · Genesis 28:16-17
Devotional 2000
An outline for a devotional presentation titled 'The Burning Heart: The Devotional Experience,' prepared by Frank G. Carver on January 8, 2000. The document explores the nature of the 'burning heart' as a remembering and renewing experience, centered on the biblical narrative of the road to Emmaus. Carver outlines methods for cultivating this experience through the study of Scripture (utilizing various translations), the reading of spiritual classics (including works by Augustine, Thomas à Kempis, Brother Lawrence, and others), and the practice of spiritual disciplines. The outline includes a detailed 'Rule of Devotion' structured in three movements: moving from the world to the Word through solitude and surrender; moving from the mind to the heart through meditation and contemplation; and moving from the inward to the outward journey through intercession and praise. The text cites various theologians and spiritual writers, including Henri Nouwen, Thomas Keating, and Thomas Merton.
Luke 24:26 · Proverbs 4:23 · Luke 11:13
Devotional
A presentation transcript or essay titled 'The Burning Heart: The Devotional Experience.' The author introduces the concept of a meaningful devotional life through the historical example of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, a 17th-century French lay-brother known for his practice of the presence of God. Drawing on the biblical narrative of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24), the author proposes that the devotional experience consists of two related perspectives: a 'remembering' experience and a 'renew Far' experience. The document begins to explore the 'remembering' aspect, linking it to the reading and meditation on Scripture.
Luke 24
Devotional
A preface and introductory section to a collection of prayers titled 'God Heard That! 31 Prayers that the Lord Heard and I Overheard' by Thomas E. Phillips. The author discusses the challenges of establishing a consistent prayer life, particularly among young Christians, and posits that learning to pray often occurs through 'overhearing' the prayers of others. The text includes a table of contents categorizing prayers by theme (e.g., Daily Life, Repentance, Guidance, Intercession, Praise, Strength, and the Unspeakable), a preface detailing the author's motivation and the use of various biblical translations, and the inclusion of 'The Lord’s Prayer' (Matthew 6:9-13) as a foundational model. The document concludes with advice on maintaining a prayer life and an invitation for readers to submit their own written prayers.
Matthew 6:9-13
Further devotional pieces — weddings, memorials, and personal letters — are
being reviewed with the family before publication.