Lectio Divina: Redemption & Forgiveness
Date: June 9, 2025
Scripture: Psalm 86:5

Wayne Friesen

Part 1: Inward Focus

Thanks for joining me today as we look at the theme of forgiveness. Let’s start with an exercise together.  Get in a comfortable position, place your hand over your heart and notice the sensation in your chest, especially around your heart.  Now, notice your breath, don’t change it, simply notice it, picturing your breath circling your heart.  And now, bring to mind something, someone or some place that you feel deeply connected to and notice how your body responds.

As I read the Scripture, turn your thoughts quietly toward the Lord, asking for your heart to open to God’s voice through scripture.

Psalm 86:5 says, For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all who call upon You.

As you picture a good and forgiving God, what images come up? What are the words, or phrases? Pay attention to your physiology. How does your physical body respond?

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As the images, words and physiology come up, notice them without declaring them right or wrong. Ask God to lead you further into them.

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Part 2: Outward Focus

As we re-read this passage consider the people in your life.

“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all who call upon You”.

As you think about those in your circle, who possibly struggles with allowing themselves to receive forgiveness? Pray for them by name asking God to soften their hearts.

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Is there anyone in your life who may be waiting for your forgiveness? Don’t rush over this asking God to reveal any relationships that may needing mercy.

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As we consider our role as Image Bearers in our world, consider how being the image bearer of a good, forgiving and merciful God can practically be undertaken.

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Part 3: Wesleyan Covenant Prayer

We end this time together by praying the Wesleyan 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.

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