worship idea

Emerging CGGC

Yesterday I incorporated a Lectio Divina exercise from Maggie & Duffy Robins book "Enjoy The Silence" into my message/sermon on Matthew 12:9-13 (the man with the shriveled hand).

I had people trace their hand on a piece of paper. After reading and meditating on the passage, and some background, I had people write inside their traced hand the things that caused them shame, disappointment, etc. - things that were "holding them back" in their relationship with God.

Then at the end, when they came up for communion, they could "stretch out their hand" (that they had drawn) and lay it at the foot of the cross on the communion table before taking the bread and cup and returning to their seat.

It seemed to go pretty good. I would appreciate if anyone ever has any ideas like this -- please share. :)