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ePray | Lectio Divina: Ep. 65 Old Testament applied to Ministry

Date: 03/08/26

Category: ePray

Tags: August Ministry Old Testament OT

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ePray | Episode 65| August 3, 2026
Lectio Divina: Old Testament applied to ministry
With Carl Nash – Youth Unlimited Toronto

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Lectio Divina: Old Testament applied to ministry
Date: August 3, 2026
Scripture: Micah 6:8

Carl Nash

Part 1: Inward Focus

Welcome friends. Glad we can share these few minutes together. Our e-pray theme for August is applying the Old Testament to our current ministry. As we begin, let’s take a moment to slow down… and hear the beautiful prayer from Macrina the Younger written in the 4th century.
“You, O Lord, have lifted the burden from my shoulders. You have made mea companion of those who seek your face. Let my life be a witness to yourmercy, and let my heart be enlarged by your love.”

 

Our Scripture today is Micah 6:8 (NIV) – a favourite verse of many justiceoriented Jesus followers. Let’s tune in to these words from the prophet Micahover 2500 years ago. I’m going to start us back a couple verses to provide alittle more context:

“With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?  Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

 

This is the end of an amazing passage in which Micah (on behalf of Israel) is wrestling with how to possibly ‘repay the Lord’ for his ongoing goodness, provision and protection. When I reflect on this passage, it strikes me that initial ideas that came to Micah’s mind got larger and more extravagant. Several calves. Thousands of rams. Ten thousand rivers of oil. Where would it possibly end to repay all thatGod had done? It wouldn’t. The debt could never be paid. How beautiful to consider that the Lord invites us to a different way to demonstrate our gratitude. He invites us to express our thankfulness through a life well lived. One of justice, and love and humble relationship with Him.

So let’s reflect together on a couple questions – where have you experienced someone extending “hesed” or steadfast mercy towards you?
[pause]
Next…what is one specific way that the Lord is inviting you to walk humbly with Him in this season ahead?
[pause]

Part 2: Outward Focus

As we listen to Micah 6:8 a second time… let’s ask God to help us connect this ancient passage to the youth we serve today.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD requireof you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A final thought before we go to silence once more. When we stand alongside marginalized youth or those who are hurting in our communities, we are not implementing some new, radical approach . We are aligning with one of the most prominent themes of the Old Testament – God’s constant and relentless concern for those who are most often overlooked. So in silence…
If widows, orphans and foreigners were the vulnerable in Micah’s day, which youth are most likely to be overlooked today in your community?
[pause]
Pause and pray for one of your youth that has been treated unjustly. Ask the Lord to bring healing and to move the situation towards justice and mercy.
[pause]

Part 2: Closing Prayer

As always, we will close with an ancient prayer for God’s peace and protection

as we entrust ourselves into his care.

O God from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works

do proceed:

give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give;

that our hearts may be set to obey your will; and that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our

time in rest and quietness;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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