In response to the busyness that seems to pervade our Goshen College lives, Campus Ministries will be using the theme “In Stillness . . . God” this year as a way to encourage moments of stillness in order to meet and find rest in God. The moments might include quiet times, but they may also involve certain spiritual activities with people such as service or small groups. As we live with this theme this school year, we offer the following scripture passages and ideas of how to engage it. Feel free to pass along additional ideas or ways you have explored this theme.
I Kings 19:8-13 -- Elijah encounters God in silence
I Samuel 2:1-10 -- Hannah's prayerful attitude
Nehemiah 8:1-12 -- Be quiet, for this day is holy
Psalm 37:1-40 -- Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently
Psalm 131 -- A quieted soul
Matthew 14:22-33 -- Jesus prays alone following a miracle
Luke 6:12-16 -- Jesus prays alone prior to a decision
Luke 11:1-13 -- Jesus teaches how to pray
Mark 4:35-41 -- Jesus stills a storm
Acts 2:1-42 -- The Holy Spirit descends upon the followers
Acts 4:23-31 -- The believers pray for boldness
Ways to Engage the Theme and Related Passages
Personal Devotions: read over the same passage each day for a week
Group Bible Study: select one passage per meeting time, read over it together, and ask the following questions
what jumped out to me?
what questions arose?
how does this apply to my life as a college student or staff/faculty member?
Meetings, Clubs, Floors, Small Group Housing Units, Department meetings: open with devotions by reading over one of the passages, along with a simple prayer
Spiritual Friendship: as you meet with a spiritual friend, read together one of the passages each time you meet
General Reflections: ask yourself or with a group of people:
When have I/have I not experienced
moments of stillness?
moments with/with out God?
What might I do to help create such times?
Written Devotions: download twelve short devotionals written by GC faculty, staff, and students based on the above passages
Goshen Prayer Booklet: engage this prayer resource of over a dozen different ways to connect with God individually, with a friend, or with a group (pick up a copy by AD 12)
Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading): individually or with a group, utilize this prayer practice (see Goshen College Prayer Booklet) for each of the scripture passages
Goshen College
1700 South Main Street, Goshen, Indiana 46526
Toll free: 1 (800) 348-7422 • Local: (574) 535-7000 • E-mail: info@goshen.edu
