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
The emotive themes for this section are:
Longing, Need, Hunger, Thirst
Section 2: Openness – Embracing Holy Indifference
The emotive themes for this section are:
Receptive, Open-minded, Amenable
Section 3: Values – What are They and Why do They Matter?
The emotive themes for this section are:
Care, Love, Commitment, Passion
Section 4: Encountering God – Experiencing the Holy in Everyday Life
The emotive themes for this section are:
Awe, Wonder, Reverence, Doubt, Fear
Section 5: Holy Tending – The Art of Paying Attention
The emotive themes of this section are:
Wrestling, Contemplating, Brooding
Section 6: Reframing Regret – From Hindsight to Insight
The emotive themes of this section are:
Sadness, Despair, Grief, Heartache, Determination
Section 7: Discernment as a Way of Life – Posture, Process, Practice
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?
The emotive themes for this section are:
Fulfillment, Purpose, Fear, Pleasure, Determination, Anxiety
Part 2 – Living into the called life – today
Section 1 – Called
The emotive themes for this section are:
Chosen, Special, Particular
Section 2 – On Purpose
The emotive themes for this section are:
Resolve, Commitment, Devotion
Section 3 – For Good
The emotive themes for this section are:
Worthy, Useful, Beneficial
Section 4 – When my calling “fits” both me and the needs of others
The emotive themes for this section are:
Fulfillment, Contentment, Serenity
Section 5: When I am called in the ordinary
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
The emotive themes for this section are:
Anxiety, Fear, Sadness
Section 7: When my calling is exhausting and produces burnout
The emotive themes for this section are:
Tired, Stressed, Angst
Section 8: When my calling requires difficult choices
The emotive themes for this section are:
Uncertain, Distress, Worry
Section 9: When I doubt my calling
The emotive themes for this section are:
Questioning, Distrust, Disbelief
Section 10: When my calling requires courage
The emotive themes for this section are:
Strength, Conviction, Fortitude
Section 11: When my calling is a second chance
The emotive themes for this section are:
Joy, Relief, Liberation
Section 12: When my calling is behind the scenes
The emotive themes for this section are:
Supportive, Helpful, Useful
Section 13: When my calling brings joy
The emotive themes for this section are:
Bliss, Elation, Excitement