The Nourishing Vocation Lectionary Bible Study Resources are essential to the Nourishing Vocation Project. These resources support both personal and congregational discernment by rooting essential questions in the biblical narrative. The primary resource is the “Near and Now Integrative Study Series.
To access Part 1 of Near and Now Studies, follow the steps below:
- Scroll to “Part 1 – Nourishing a Rhythm”
- There are 8 sections in Part 1. Each section contains 4 different studies
- In each section, open “Scripture and Vocare”
- Under each scripture reading, “click here”
- Scroll to “Near and Now”
- Click on “Near and Now” for the study corresponding with the reading. You can either print the study or use the online flipbook.
To access Part 2 of the Near and Now Studies, follow the steps below:
- Continue scrolling through all eight sections to “Part 2 – Living into the Called Life – Today”
- Open the “Near and Now” under each section
- Click on the “Combined Near and Now for Section…” You can either print the studies or use the combined online flipbook.
- OR you can click on the subject name and access each individual study to either print or use online.
Additional resources for some texts include:
- “Engaging the Living Word” – a resource guide for preaching and teaching
- Vocare Guided Meditations related to the section theme
- Readers’ Theaters
Participants are encouraged to use the Bible Study resources in a way that supports both their personal and congregational discernment. Editable MS Word documents of individual Near and Now studies are available upon request at nourishing-vocation@stolaf.edu.
Part 1 – Nourishing a Rhythm
Section 1: Well-being – Listening to your Longings
The emotive themes for this section are:
Longing, Need, Hunger, Thirst
Psalm 42
“My soul thirsts for the living God.”
Prayer:
Meet me in my longings gracious God, and quench my thirsty soul. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
The Woman with the Hemorrhage
“If only I can touch.”
Prayer:
Bring your healing touch to the “if only” cries of my heart, O God, and make me whole. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Rachel
“Then God remembered Rachel.”
Prayer:
Hear my voice when I call out to you, O God, and remember me in my longings. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Hagar
“Then God opened her eyes and she saw.”
Prayer:
When my longings overwhelm me O God, help me focus on you and realize your promises. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 2: Openness – Embracing Holy Indifference
The emotive themes for this section are:
Receptive, Open-minded, Amenable
“With the eyes of your heart enlightened…”
Prayer:
Open the eyes of my heart, O God, that I might see the hope to which you have called me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
The Man who could not Hear or Speak
“Ephphatha, that is, ‘be opened’.”
Prayer:
Give me your ears to hear and eyes to see, O God, your unfolding vision for me and for your world. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Abraham and Sarah
“So Abram went.”
Prayer:
Open me to where you are calling me, O God, that I might go out in trust and hope. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
The Emmaus Road
“Then their eyes were opened…”
Prayer:
Walk with me on my seeking journey, O God, and open my heart to understand where you would have me go. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 3: Values – What are They and Why do They Matter?
The emotive themes for this section are:
Care, Love, Commitment, Passion
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.”
Prayer:
Help me, O God, to value what matters and to live my life reflecting those values. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Sarah
“Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?”
Prayer:
Guide me to value what you value, O God, and to trust in your Word for me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Ruth
“Where you go, I will go.”
Prayer:
Shepherd my commitments, O God, that they may reflect your purposes in and through my life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Zacchaeus
“Today salvation has come to this house.”
Prayer:
Show me, O God, when my values are misguided, and move me to correct my ways. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 4: Encountering God – Experiencing the Holy in Everyday Life
The emotive themes for this section are:
Awe, Wonder, Reverence, Doubt, Fear
“Be still and now that I am God!”
Prayer:
Still my heart and mind, O God, that I might meet you in the ordinary experiences of my everyday life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Elijah
“The Lord is about to pass by.”
Prayer:
Fill me with anticipation, O God, that I might recognize you where I least expect to find you. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Consider the Lilies
“Consider the lilies of the field.”
Prayer:
Help me, O God, to search for you in even the smallest things and to believe that nothing is too insignificant to reveal your presence. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Foot Washing
“You also should do as I have done to you.”
Prayer:
Work through me, O God, that others might encounter you in who I am and what I do. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 5: Holy Tending – The Art of Paying Attention
The emotive themes of this section are:
Wrestling, Contemplating, Brooding
“Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”
Prayer:
When I am distracted by things that cause me to lose track of your call, O God, turn my attention back to you. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Mary
“She was much perplexed by his words and pondered…”
Prayer:
Direct the ponderings of my heart, O God, toward where you call me to pay attention. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
A Man Born Blind
“He opened my eyes.”
Prayer:
Open my heart, O God, to pay attention to your work in my life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
God Answers Job
“Where were you?”
Prayer:
Teach me, O God, to regard your work in all creation and to pay attention to what you are doing. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 6: Reframing Regret – From Hindsight to Insight
The emotive themes of this section are:
Sadness, Despair, Grief, Heartache, Determination
“Create in me a clean heart.”
Prayer:
Help me, O God, to give my regrets to you and to go forward today, confident in your mercy. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Joseph and his Brothers
“God intended it for good.”
Prayer:
Bind up the wounds on my mistakes, O God, and help me learn from them. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Jonah
“I called to the Lord in my distress.”
Prayer:
Use my regrets, O God, to give me insight into my choices and actions. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Nathan Confronts David
“I have sinned.”
Prayer:
Forgive me my sins, O God, and raise me to new life today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 7: Discernment as a Way of Life – Posture, Process, Practice
The emotive themes for this section are:
Awareness, Wonder, Apprehension, Peace, Habit
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Prayer:
Help me, O God, to use the gifts you have given me for the common good. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Philip and Nathaniel
“Come and see.”
Prayer:
Guide me daily to come to you, O God, that I might see and hear anew your call for my life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Nicodemus
“How can these things be?”
Prayer:
Help me, O God, to live the questions of my life in relationship with you, trusting that you will walk with me into the answers. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Elijah’s Despair
“An angel touched him and said to him, ‘Get up and eat.’”
Prayer:
When I am exhausted and overwhelmed, O God, meet me in my need and sustain me with your gifts of grace. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 8: Vocation – Who are you called to be? What are you called to do?
The emotive themes for this section are:
Fulfillment, Purpose, Fear, Pleasure, Determination, Anxiety
“What are human beings that you are mindful of them?”
Engaging the Living Word – Coming Soon
Prayer:
In whatever I face today and to whatever I am called today, remind me O God that you, Creator of the Universe, love and care for me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Humankind
“So God created humankind in his image.”
Engaging the Living Word – Coming Soon
Prayer:
Lead me, O God, to see your face in every person I encounter and to be your face for all whom I meet. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Esther
“For just such a time as this…”
Engaging the Living Word – Coming Soon
Prayer:
Open my heart, O God, to be who you have called me to be and to do what you have called me to do. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
“Get up and go.”
Engaging the Living Word – Coming Soon
Prayer:
Move me to act, O God, when I hear your voice calling me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Part 2 – Living into the called life – today
Section 1 – Called
The emotive themes for this section are:
Chosen, Special, Particular
Combined Near and Now for Section 1
- Samuel (I Samuel 3:1-10)
- Speak Lord, your servant is listening
- Prayer: Call to me, O God, that I might be your faithful servant. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Mary (Luke 1:26-38)
- Let it be with me according to your word
- Prayer: Move me, O God, to embrace your call for my life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- The First Disciples (John 1:35-46)
-
- Come and See
- Prayer: Help me, O God, to call others as you have called me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- The Samaritan Woman at the Well (John 4)
- The woman left her water jar
- Prayer: Give me courage, O God, to leave behind everything that gets in the way of following you. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 2 – On Purpose
The emotive themes for this section are:
Resolve, Commitment, Devotion
Combined Near and Now for Section 2
- Esther (Esther 4)
- Such a time as this
- Prayer: Open me to your purpose for me, O God, that I might live into your call upon my life today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- The Seventy (Luke 10:1-12, 17-21)
- The kingdom of God has come near to you
- Prayer: Send me to bring your kingdom near in all that I say, all that I do, and all that I am today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Paul & Ananaias (Acts 9:1-22)
- He is an instrument whom I have chosen
- Prayer: O God, you call people to follow you that your purposes might be accomplished. Make me your instrument in the world today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)
- Come and stay at my home
- Prayer: Help me to know, O God, what I have that I can use to serve you today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 3 – For Good
The emotive themes for this section are:
Worthy, Useful, Beneficial
Combined Near and Now for Section 3
- Shiprah and Puah (Exodus 1:15-21)
- The midwives feared God
- Prayer: Lead me to stand up for what is right, O God. Give me courage and protect me amid the challenges and dangers of doing so. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Joseph (Genesis 50:15-21)
- God intended it for good
- Prayer: Strengthen me to trust that you work all things together for good, even when it is hard to see or I do not understand. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Josiah (II Kings 22 – 23, especially 22:1-2)
- He did what was right in the sight of the Lord
- Prayer: Help me to know what is good and to do it in both the big things and the small things of life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Mary Magdalene (John 20:1-18)
- Go…and say
- Prayer: Give me the words to bear witness to you, O God, that your good news might be known through me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 4 – When my calling “fits” both me and the needs of others
The emotive themes for this section are:
Fulfillment, Contentment, Serenity
Combined Near and Now for Section 4
- Deborah (Judges 4-5)
- The Israelites came up to her for judgment
- Prayer: Take who I am and what I have, O God. Use me to serve your people for your glory. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- David (I Samuel 16:1-13)
- This is the one
- Prayer: You have claimed and named me as your own, O God. Summon out what I shall be. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:17-20)
- Come, let us rebuild
- Prayer: Help me to serve you, O God, through my prayers and through my work. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Peter (John 21:15-19)
- Feed my sheep
- Prayer: Guide me, O God, to do your work in my everyday life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 5: When I am called in the ordinary
The emotive themes for this section are:
Blessed, Satisfied, Pleased
Combined Near and Now for Section 5
- Slave of Naaman’s wife (II Kings 5:1-19)
- She said to her mistress
- Prayer: Help me, O God, to see the ways that I can serve you the ordinary experiences of my life today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Woman who anoints Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50)
- She began to bathe his feet
- Prayer: Show me what I am called to do today, O God, so that my life can show forth your praise. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Loaves and fishes boy (John 6:1-14)
- There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish
- Prayer: Use what I have, O God, to multiply your justice, mercy, and love. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Widow and her two coins (Mark 12:41-44)
- She…has put in everything she had
- Prayer: Help me, O God, to be all in as your disciple today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 6: When I don’t think I have what it takes to live into my calling
The emotive themes for this section are:
Anxiety, Fear, Sadness
Combined Near and Now for Section 6
- Moses (Exodus 3:1-22)
- Who am I that I should go?
- Prayer: When your call upon my life seems more than I can do, O God, be with me and strengthen me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Spies of Israel (Numbers 13:25-33)
- We are not able
- Prayer: When the obstacles in front of me cause me to doubt my ability, O God, turn my attention again to you, and renew your call for me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Gideon (Judges 6:11-25)
- I am the least in my family
- Prayer: Sometimes I feel like an imposter, O God, and doubt that I can be who you have called me to be. Calm my fears and give me confidence in your call for me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-8)
- Woe is me!
- Prayer: When I am uncertain about my call, O God, point me again to my Baptism and fill me with trust in you. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 7: When my calling is exhausting and produces burnout
The emotive themes for this section are:
Tired, Stressed, Angst
Combined Near and Now for Section 7
- Naomi (Ruth 1:19-22)
- The Almighty has dealt bitterly with me
- Prayer: Sometimes, O God, life is full of sorrow, and my heart aches. Hear my cries, and lift me up again. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:7-18)
- I am weary
- Prayer: Your call can be a heavy burden, O God. Give me space to lament, and restore my trust in you. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Elijah (I Kings 19)
- It is enough
- Prayer: Fortify me, O God, when I am exhausted and ready to quit. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Jesus (John 4:1-6)
- Jesus, tired out by his journey…
- Prayer: When I am tired out by your call, grant me rest and renewal. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 8: When my calling requires difficult choices
The emotive themes for this section are:
Uncertain, Distress, Worry
Combined Near and Now for Section 8
- Jochebed (Exodus 2:1-10)
- She placed the child among the reeds
- Prayer: It is not always easy to know how to live into my calling, O God. Guide me to the choices you would have me make today. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Ruth and Orpah (Ruth 1:6-18)
- Your sister-in-law has gone back…Do not press me to leave you
- Prayer: Guide me to live into your call for my life and trust that I do not always have to do what others do. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25)
- Joseph planned to dismiss her quietly….When he awoke, he did as the angel commanded
- Prayer: Your call can be surprising, O God. Help me to hear your voice and embrace your call today, even if it is unexpected. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Barnabas and Paul when they part ways (Acts 15:36-41)
- The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company
- Prayer: Sometimes, O God, your call leads faithful people in different directions. Give me clarity to know when it is time to chart a new course and take a new path. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 9: When I doubt my calling
The emotive themes for this section are:
Questioning, Distrust, Disbelief
Combined Near and Now for Section 9
- Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 16-18:15)
- Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old bear a child?
- Prayer: It can be easy to grow impatient, O God, as I wait for the fulfillment of your call in my life. Give me the faith to wait upon you. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Zechariah (Luke 1:5-25)
- How will I know that it is so?
- Prayer: Sometimes your call seems too good to be true, O God. Give me a discerning heart to know and understand what is truly your call. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- John the Baptizer (Matthew 11:2-15)
- Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?
- Prayer: Your call does not always unfold like I expect, O God. Help me to trust in you and not lose heart. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Disciples desert Jesus (Matthew 26: 47-56)
- Then all the disciples deserted him and fled
- Prayer: Sometimes I give up on you, O God. Forgive me. Restore me, and call me anew. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 10: When my calling requires courage
The emotive themes for this section are:
Strength, Conviction, Fortitude
Combined Near and Now for Section 10
- Joshua (Joshua 1:1-10)
- Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed
- Prayer: When the way is hard and the path is frightening, fill me with courage, O God. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Rahab (Joshua 2)
- According to your words, so be it
- Prayer: Help me to trust you, O God, when danger is all around. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Abigail (I Samuel 25:2-43)
- Please forgive the trespass of your servant
- Prayer: Give me courage to intervene, O God, when that is your call for me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Stephen (Acts 7)
- Lord Jesus, receive my spirit
- Prayer: Give me a willing spirit to speak truth to power, O God, and sustain me amid the risks and threats that I face. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 11: When my calling is a second chance
The emotive themes for this section are:
Joy, Relief, Liberation
Combined Near and Now for Section 11
- Jonah (Jonah 3)
- The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time
- Prayer: Thank you for not giving up on me, O God, and calling me again and anew when I have turned away from your mission and vision. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- The Woman Jesus did not condemn (John 8:1-11)
- Neither do I condemn you
- Prayer: You raise me up when the world has knocked me down, O God. Renew me in the joy of your calling for me. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Onesimus (Philemon)
- No longer a slave…a brother
- Prayer: You have transformed me, O God, and made me new. Help me to live fully into this newness. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
- I will pay back
- Prayer: Change my heart, O God, each day that I might show forth your mercy in my life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 12: When my calling is behind the scenes
The emotive themes for this section are:
Supportive, Helpful, Useful
Combined Near and Now for Section 12
- Jethro (Exodus 18:13-27)
- I will give you counsel
- Prayer: Help me to know, O God, when I am called to give guidance and encouragement to others as they live into your call for their lives. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2)
- She has been a benefactor of many
- Prayer: It is a privilege, O God, to support others with my time, talents, and treasures so that they can live into your call for their lives. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Dorcas (Tabitha) (Acts 9:36-43)
- She was devoted to good works and acts of charity
- Prayer: Living in the hope of the resurrection and trusting that death does not win, help me, O God, to make Christ known in word and deed, each day of my life. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Onesiphorus (II Timothy 1:16-18)
- He often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains
- Prayer: Fill me with your grace, O God, so that I can meet people where they are and lift up those who are weighed down. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
Section 13: When my calling brings joy
The emotive themes for this section are:
Bliss, Elation, Excitement
Combined Near and Now for Section 13
- Miriam (Exodus 15: 1-21)
- And Miriam sang to them
- Prayer: Place your song in my heart, O God, and fill me with the joy of your calling. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Shepherds (Luke 2:8-20)
- The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
- Prayer: I am in awe of your gifts of grace, O God. Accept the gratitude and praise of my heart. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:22-38)
- She began to praise God and to speak about the child
- Prayer: Turn my joy into witness, O God, through who I am, what I say, and what I do. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.
- Peter and the Man at the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:1-10)
- He entered the temple walking and leaping and praising God
- Prayer: Your grace has made me anew, O God. Make me bold to proclaim your wonderous works. In the name of +Jesus, Amen.