Each year we have a particular Bible passage that we reflect on together as a diocese in a variety of contexts.
- The 2025 passage is Isaiah 55: 1-9, suggested by Jo Stobart, Area Dean of Somerset South Deanery.
- The 2024 Diocesan Bible passage was Luke 1: 46-55, suggested by Lis Sparrow, Vicar of St John's Bridgwater, one of our Magnificat Parishes.
One of the ways we reflect on our Dioceasn passage is using the practice of Dwelling in the Word. Below is a short video from Portishead reflecting on their experience of using the practice; a bit more information about Dwelling in the Word; and some leaflets to download if you want to use the passage locally.
Rob Eastwood Dewing and Simon Stevens from Portishead reflect on the experience of Dwelling in the Word in their benefice.
Dwelling has some elements that are like Lectio Divina but also some things that are distinctive and can have a powerful effect:
- Dwelling in the Word is done in groups rather than individually.
- We remain with the same Bible passage for a year. This can seem odd at first, but builds a rich relationship with each other and the particular passage.
- Listening to each other and to God is built into the process. First, we listen in pairs to what has struck the other person in the passage. Then we share with others what we have heard them say, rather than our own insights. This listening sounds easy but many people find it remarkably hard at first and it is a great way of practising listening really attentively to each other.
- Each person reflects on where their attention is drawn in the passage. In Dwelling in the Word we don’t defer to expertise, which has an important part to play in our life together but not in this particular practice.
Who to contact
If you would like to know more, or share your own reflections on Dwelling or on the 2024 passage, then please get in touch with Julia Hill. Dwelling in the Word is one of the spiritual practices that comes from Partnership for Missional Church.
Downloads
Diocesan Bible Passage 2025 Isaiah - 55. 1-9
Diocesan Bible Passage 2024 - Luke 1: 46-55
Dwelling in the Word leaflet for Luke 1: 46-55
Dwelling in the Word - Romans 12.6-16a
Dwelling in the Word - Philippians 4. 4-13
Dwelling in the Word - Colossians 3.12-17 (NRSV)
Dwelling in the Word - Colossians 3.12-17 (The message)
Dwelling in the Word - the Woman at the Well