Exodus 3:11-14: Mercio Langa, Mozambique

Sit for a few moments in quiet stillness. Focus on your breathing taking slow, deep breaths. Try to turn your focus away from outside thoughts and simply focus on your breathing. Sit in quiet for as long as you would like.

When you are ready, read the following passage of scripture. As you read, allow the ear of your heart to listen for a word or phrase that resonates with you.

But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ He said, ‘I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.’ But Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your ancestors has sent me to you”, and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them?’ God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ He said further, ‘Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “I am has sent me to you.”

Exodus 3:11-14

After you have completed the reading, allow that word or phrase to resound within you. If you are in a group, take turns sharing only that word or phrase.

Allow the word or phrase you have chosen to repeat in prayerful silence.

After a short period of reflection, read the scripture a second time. This time, reflect on any thoughts or feelings that come up for you while reading the scripture again. What might God be asking you through the reading of this scripture?

After reading for a second time, take a few moments in silence to continue this personal reflection.

When you are ready, watch the following video of a personal reflection from one of Episcopal Relief & Development’s partners.

Mercio is the director of Anglican Social Action which is the social development department of the Anglican Diocese of Lebombo in Mozambique. He is also a deacon in the Anglican Church and has been a leader in establishing the CCMP (Church and Community Mobilization Process) which helps support children without homes, the elderly and people with disabilities who live in and around Lebombo. Episcopal Relief & Development integrated a savings with education program into the work of the CCMP in 2017 and this year Mercio will help pilot Moments That Matter, an early childhood development program partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, in his community as well. If you are interested in learning more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s programs in Mozambique, click on this link.

After watching the video, reflect prayerfully on what you heard. How has this person’s relationship with God given them a unique perspective?

After reflecting on the words from the video, read the passage a third time. As you read, listen once again with the ear of your heart and respond spontaneously as you listen. Notice any prayerful response that arises within you, for example a small prayer of gratitude or praise.

If you are alone, continue this prayerful reflection for a time after you complete the reading. If God is calling you to silent reflection, simply spend time in the quiet. If you are in a group, a time of prayerful silence follows the third reading.

Following this brief period of silence, an appointed person may say:

Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer, page 395

Episcopal Relief & Development would like to thank Lindsay Boyer for her guidance on Lectio Divina. For more information on Lectio Divina and other forms of centering prayer, visit lindsayboyer.com.