Reading the Bible with the Body
The mind is a gift to help us better understand the world. But sometimes we can use thinking to run from the necessarily work of feeling. This exercise aims at helping people integrate both for a more holistic faith formation journey.
Circle a word or phrase that stands out to you in each stanza of Psalm 32. After the stanza, describe how that portion of scripture feels in your body.
1 Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
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3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.
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5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.
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6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. 7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
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Reflection
Take some time to reflect upon this spiritual formation exercise:
What was the journey like for you?
What resonated with you?
What did you resist?
What makes you curious?
How does reading scripture with the body differ from reading with just the mind?
How might this tool be helpful for faith formation?
