Week Three - Poetica

Poetica Divina {sacred reading of poetry} is contemplative, like Lectio Divina, but focuses on divinely inspired poetry rather than scripture. Poetic praying allows for deep reflection as you connect with God with stenagmois {a Greek word meaning groans or sighs too deep for words}. Whether you read existing poems or write your own, remember this is not about perfection. It's about finding a pathway to release your emotions in prayer. God is there, ready to sit with you in your deepest groanings and guide you to freedom. Poetry invites you to 'read between the lines' as you contemplate the deeper meaning of the art you've just experienced.

Poetica Divina Steps to Follow:

Find a comfortable position and create your space. Select a poem that speaks to your heart. {This could include sacred poetry like a Psalm.} Soften your eyes and take several deep breaths as you still yourself in the presence of the Father as you offer the Father a moment of gratitude.

Read the poem slowly as you open your heart to receive from God. Don't get lost in the meaning; allow the words to wash over you.

Pause and allow your heart to metabolize what you read. Sit in stillness for a moment or two.

Reread the poem aloud, slowly, and with intention. As you read the poem, think about how the words connect with you emotionally.

Read the poem a third time as you ask the Father to highlight what He wants you to know. Then, use what you are sensing to articulate your prayer of response to the Father. Pay attention to visual cues or scripture references that come to mind.

Finish with a gratitude prayer.

Day One

Stained Glass

They say I am like exquisite stained glass; how can that be?

I am completely broken, what is there to see?

Yes, My child, you are broken indeed.

But I am the Master Craftsman Who restores who you were meant to be.

Bring Me all the pieces, watch what I can do.

A willing heart is needed and endurance to see it through.

I work in ways you cannot comprehend.

I will do all that I intend.

Your life will look different, it will look more like Me.

Allowing My light to shine forth for all the world to see.

So come as you are, don’t hesitate too long.

I am eager to get started and move things along.

My work will never cease until you are with Me.

I will take you from glory to glory.

Thank you, Father, for loving me.

For transforming me so beautifully.

I can now see just how exquisite I can be.

Like stained glass, masterfully created by Thee.

(Poem by Sissy Reese)

Read the poem slowly as you open your heart to receive from God. Don't get lost in the meaning; allow the words to wash over you.

Pause and allow your heart to metabolize what you read. Sit in stillness for a moment or two.

Reread the poem aloud, slowly, and with intention. As you read the poem, think about how the words connect with you emotionally.

Read the poem a third time as you ask the Father to highlight what He wants you to know. Then, use what you are sensing to articulate your prayer of response to the Father. Pay attention to visual cues or scripture references that come to mind.

Finish with a gratitude prayer.

Day Two

Rest

Lord, my soul is weary and I am heavy-laden,

will You give me rest?

Answer me when I call to You and relieve me from my distress.

Keep me as the apple of Your eye and hide me in the shadow of Your wings.

Pour Your love out on me and cause my heart to sing.

Renew me, O Lord, and create in me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit.

My hope is in You, O Lord, as I eagerly await it.

Thank you, Lord, for always sustaining me.

Thank you, Lord, for Your love that You give so generously.

The Lord has brought us all together

and has given us a deep bond.

One that can’t be easily broken,

one that goes beyond.

Transition

Transition in this season is for all of us,

you see.

The Lord has great plans,

great plans for you and me.

In order for new beginnings,

something must come to an end.

It doesn’t make sense,

sometimes it’s hard to comprehend.

The season as we know

it is giving way to the new.

So we come together to celebrate

what God is about to do.

(Poems by Sissy Reese)

Read the poem slowly as you open your heart to receive from God. Don't get lost in the meaning; allow the words to wash over you.

Pause and allow your heart to metabolize what you read. Sit in stillness for a moment or two.

Reread the poem aloud, slowly, and with intention. As you read the poem, think about how the words connect with you emotionally.

Read the poem a third time as you ask the Father to highlight what He wants you to know. Then, use what you are sensing to articulate your prayer of response to the Father. Pay attention to visual cues or scripture references that come to mind.

Finish with a gratitude prayer.

Day Three

Blanket of Hope

The blanket of hope, infused.

The heart of one poured into another

has come back, full circle.

A blessing of hope

cascading over each one of us.

Like a waterfall

into the river of life.

We carry a bit of each other’s

heart with us, so that

our hope well never runs dry.

When our own hope is depleted,

we can simply pull from our reserve,

a reservoir of deep.

Now that our blanket of hope

has returned from its journey,

it’s ready to make its mark.

On a heart in desperate need.

(Poem by Sissy Reese)

Read the poem slowly as you open your heart to receive from God. Don't get lost in the meaning; allow the words to wash over you.

Pause and allow your heart to metabolize what you read. Sit in stillness for a moment or two.

Reread the poem aloud, slowly, and with intention. As you read the poem, think about how the words connect with you emotionally.

Read the poem a third time as you ask the Father to highlight what He wants you to know. Then, use what you are sensing to articulate your prayer of response to the Father. Pay attention to visual cues or scripture references that come to mind.

Finish with a gratitude prayer.

Day Four

Enough

My soul speaks the truth,

I am enough.

Worthy because of

Who I am.

I have the wisdom to let go,

The strength to remember,

The courage to step out

With confidence because

I am enough.

Failure can't shame me,

Fear can't overwhelm me,

Distractions can't preoccupy me.

I am imperfect and

I am enough.

I am His

Mistake-free creation

Here for such a time as this,

The facts don't lie,

I am loved.

Accepted.

Forgiven.

And free.

I am enough and will always be.

(Poem from Sisters of the Crown)

Read the poem slowly as you open your heart to receive from God. Don't get lost in the meaning; allow the words to wash over you.

Pause and allow your heart to metabolize what you read. Sit in stillness for a moment or two.

Reread the poem aloud, slowly, and with intention. As you read the poem, think about how the words connect with you emotionally.

Read the poem a third time as you ask the Father to highlight what He wants you to know. Then, use what you are sensing to articulate your prayer of response to the Father. Pay attention to visual cues or scripture references that come to mind.

Finish with a gratitude prayer.

Day Five

The Master's Will

laid it down in silence

This work of mine,

And took what had been sent me-

A resting time.

The Master’s voice had called me

To rest apart;

“Apart with Jesus only”

Echoed my heart.

I took the rest and stillness

From His own hand,

And felt this present illness

Was what He planned.

How often we chose labor,

When He says “Rest”-

Our ways are blind and crooked;

His way is best.

Work He Himself has given,

He will complete.

There may be other errands

For tired feet;

There may be other duties

For tired hands,

The present is obedience

To His commands,

There is a blessed resting

In lying still,

t is not only “working.”

We must be trained;

And Jesus “learned” obedience,

Through suffering gained,

For us His yoke is easy,

His burden light,

His disciple most useful,

And all is right.

We are to be His servants;

We never choose

If this tool or if that one

Our hands will use.

In working or in waiting

May we fulfill

Not ours at all, but only

The Master’s will.

(Poem from Unknown)

Read the poem slowly as you open your heart to receive from God. Don't get lost in the meaning; allow the words to wash over you.

Pause and allow your heart to metabolize what you read. Sit in stillness for a moment or two.

Reread the poem aloud, slowly, and with intention. As you read the poem, think about how the words connect with you emotionally.

Read the poem a third time as you ask the Father to highlight what He wants you to know. Then, use what you are sensing to articulate your prayer of response to the Father. Pay attention to visual cues or scripture references that come to mind.

Finish with a gratitude prayer.

Day Six: Rest in stillness today.

Day Seven: Immanuel Conversation

Immanuel Conversation is a practice for deepening your relationship with God by pausing to reflect and listen for His gentle voice. This dialogue with Immanuel (“God with us”) encourages honest self-exploration and spiritual connection.

Follow these steps to open your heart to God’s voice:

Pause and Breathe: Take several deep breaths to create calm and clarity.

Express Gratitude: Share your thanks with God and invite His response.

Dear God, I am thankful for...

My beloved child, {pause and listen for God’s gentle reply}

Create a quiet space to listen to God.

I see you. {Reflect on what God observes in your feelings and sensations.}

I can hear you. {Notice the thoughts and feelings God hears within you.}

You are valued and understood. {Acknowledge God’s care and imagine His comforting words.}

I delight in you. {Consider the kindness and compassion God shares.}

I can help you. {Ponder how God may support you now.}

Review what you wrote. Pause and be still.

Close with a brief prayer of gratitude.

Share your experience with someone you trust.