The Nourishing Vocation Lectionary (NVL) is an essential component of the Nourishing Vocation Project. The NVL supports both personal and congregational discernment by rooting essential questions in the biblical narrative. The NVL includes all of the necessary lectionary information for pastors, deacons, and lay leaders to preach, teach, or lead Vocare reflections on the prescribed biblical readings. “Engaging the Living Word” is a resource guide for preaching and teaching. “Near and Now” is a study guide for group or personal use. It can be adapted for a variety of age groups or contexts. Other NVL resources include links to the biblical readings, themes, prayers, a Vocare reflection guide for each section, and a readers’ theater that is a composite of scripture readings for each section.
Participants are encouraged to use the NVL in a way that supports both their personal and congregational discernment, using it in the ways that best enhance this spiritual journey. There’s no right or wrong answer. Have fun and interact with the NVL in the best way for your community, congregation, family, or personal life!
Part 1 – Nourishing a Rhythm
Section 1: Well-being – Listening to your Longings
![emiel-molenaar-c6___zGObUc-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/emiel-molenaar-c6___zGObUc-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Longing, Need, Hunger, Thirst
Section 2: Openness – Embracing Holy Indifference
![marek-studzinski-9e6rFaC1O2Q-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/marek-studzinski-9e6rFaC1O2Q-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Receptive, Open-minded, Amenable
Section 3: Values – What are They and Why do They Matter?
![miriam-espacio-K4EUCv5vNc0-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/miriam-espacio-K4EUCv5vNc0-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Care, Love, Commitment, Passion
Section 4: Encountering God – Experiencing the Holy in Everyday Life
![john-fowler-aaIN3y2zcMQ-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/john-fowler-aaIN3y2zcMQ-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Awe, Wonder, Reverence, Doubt, Fear
Section 5: Holy Tending – The Art of Paying Attention
![markus-spiske-IiEFmIXZWSw-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/markus-spiske-IiEFmIXZWSw-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes of this section are:
Wrestling, Contemplating, Brooding
Section 6: Reframing Regret – From Hindsight to Insight
![s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-oFhHzVGH88k-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/s-o-c-i-a-l-c-u-t-oFhHzVGH88k-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes of this section are:
Sadness, Despair, Grief, Heartache, Determination
Section 7: Discernment as a Way of Life – Posture, Process, Practice
![ameen-fahmy-LaxGR2DKTM4-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/ameen-fahmy-LaxGR2DKTM4-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Awareness, Wonder, Apprehension, Peace, Habit
Section 8: Vocation – Who are you called to be? What are you called to do?
![austin-chan-ukzHlkoz1IE-unsplash (1)](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2022/11/austin-chan-ukzHlkoz1IE-unsplash-1.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Fulfillment, Purpose, Fear, Pleasure, Determination, Anxiety
Part 2 – Living into the called life – today
Section 1 – Called
![clay-banks-NiYS_ExTdg8-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/clay-banks-NiYS_ExTdg8-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Chosen, Special, Particular
Section 2 – On Purpose
![mark-duffel-U5y077qrMdI-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/mark-duffel-U5y077qrMdI-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Resolve, Commitment, Devotion
Section 3 – For Good
![nagara-oyodo-2O7eHUzhWac-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/nagara-oyodo-2O7eHUzhWac-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Worthy, Useful, Beneficial
Section 4 – When my calling “fits” both me and the needs of others
![kalen-emsley-uQ6ocPD59nU-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/kalen-emsley-uQ6ocPD59nU-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Fulfillment, Contentment, Serenity
Section 5: When I am called in the ordinary
![jacek-dylag-PMxT0XtQ–A-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/jacek-dylag-PMxT0XtQ-A-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Blessed, Satisfied, Pleased
Section 6: When I don’t think I have what it takes to live into my calling
![pierre-bamin-CFzK-jX2g5s-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/pierre-bamin-CFzK-jX2g5s-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Anxiety, Fear, Sadness
Section 7: When my calling is exhausting and produces burnout
![cris-saur-GNUcUx-iObg-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/cris-saur-GNUcUx-iObg-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Tired, Stressed, Angst
Section 8: When my calling requires difficult choices
![jon-tyson-PXB7yEM5LVs-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/jon-tyson-PXB7yEM5LVs-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Uncertain, Distress, Worry
Section 9: When I doubt my calling
![towfiqu-barbhuiya-oZuBNC-6E2s-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/towfiqu-barbhuiya-oZuBNC-6E2s-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Questioning, Distrust, Disbelief
Section 10: When my calling requires courage
![michael-dziedzic-ioIc2yH4xLU-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/michael-dziedzic-ioIc2yH4xLU-unsplash.jpg?resize=570%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Strength, Conviction, Fortitude
Section 11: When my calling is a second chance
![norbert-braun-P4kHteISrbo-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/norbert-braun-P4kHteISrbo-unsplash.jpg?resize=516%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Joy, Relief, Liberation
Section 12: When my calling is behind the scenes
![kilian-seiler-sYwH7EXM5zY-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/kilian-seiler-sYwH7EXM5zY-unsplash.jpg?resize=593%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Supportive, Helpful, Useful
Section 13: When my calling brings joy
![preslie-hirsch-rOKbmUbcOVg-unsplash](https://i0.wp.com/wp.stolaf.edu/nourishing-vocation/files/2023/09/preslie-hirsch-rOKbmUbcOVg-unsplash.jpg?resize=600%2C350&ssl=1)
The emotive themes for this section are:
Bliss, Elation, Excitement