Lectio Divina: Redemption & Forgiveness
Date: June 2, 2025
Scripture: Colossians 1:11-14

Josh Lott

Part 1: Inward Focus

Welcome, friends. Thank you for joining us today. This month, our theme is redemption and forgiveness—two of the most powerful gifts we receive through Christ. They restore us, renew us, and reshape the way we live.

Today, we’ll be reading from Colossians 1:11-14. As you listen, let your heart settle into God’s presence. Ask Him to reveal what He wants to say to you today. Where do you need to be reminded of His redeeming power? Where might you be holding back from receiving His forgiveness?

Reading: Colossians 1:11-14 (NLT)

“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”

Pause

Part 2: Outward Focus

Let’s listen to the passage again. As we do, I’m reminded of something theologian N.T. Wright once wrote: “Redemption is not just about being saved from something; it’s about being saved for something—life together in God’s new creation.” As you reflect, consider someone in your life—perhaps a young person—who needs to hear this truth. Someone who feels stuck in shame or weighed down by failure. Someone who needs to know that forgiveness is real, and that redemption is possible.

How might you share this word of hope with them? What would it look like to live this truth out in front of them?

Reading: Colossians 1:11-14 (NLT)

“We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.”

Pause

Part 3: Wesleyan Covenant Prayer

We end this time together by praying the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer. Let this be a prayer of surrender to the God who rescues and forgives, who calls us out of darkness and into His marvellous light.

John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer:

I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, You are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it also be made in heaven.
Amen.

Go in the peace of the One who redeems and saves.

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