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Gathering

Praying Creating Grieving Gathering Discerning Resting Peacemaking

The Bible is a grand story of God gathering people. In the Bible it is clear that it is in God's nature to gather. The three members of the Trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are not divided but gathered.

It's a challenge to comprehend the mystery of the Trinity. However, the Greek word perichoresis can help us understand. Peri means "around," like in the word perimeter. And chorein means "to make room." One understanding of perichoresis is "rotation" or in other words, "going around." Some have called this movement around in a circle as dance. All members of the dance move together, creating and making room for one another. And this is the astounding part. The Bible tells a story in which humanity is invited into this dance.

The Trinitarian Godhead, communal in nature, invites human beings into relationship, not only with God but also with one another. So when we gather, we embody the very nature of God and are given the opportunity to express love like God does.

 


 

Discover

 


 

Practice

Gathering on your own

Practicing Hospitality
Spending Time with the Triune God

Gathering with others

Sharing Stories
Dance and Faith
Table Fellowship

 


 

Go Deeper

Recommended Reading

If you are interested in this spiritual practice of gathering and you would like to explore more and with greater depth, here are some resources you might like to utilize:

Books

Practice, not Perfect

"First, God calls all people to himself. Second, God calls his people to one another."

Sandra Maria Van Opstal

 


 

Would you like someone to pray with you?

Ask the Hub for Spiritual Life.

Phone: 310.506.4017
Email: chaplain@pepperdine.edu
Follow: @pepperdinechaplain