fuel is a new resource from the Church of Ireland Youth Department that has recently been launched to help facilitate young people as they develop an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. There are a plethora of Bible study and devotional resources available today. Study aids, commentaries and similar tools comprise a very useful and important complement to engaging with the Bible, but they should never replace individual reflection on the Bible itself. fuel is designed to entrust more of the ‘revelation' of Scripture to the Holy Spirit at work in a young person's life - and less to the commentator. Ideally, both individual reflection and the use of complementary resources are preferable.
fuel repackages a time-tested, Christian practice known as Lectio Divina. Contemplative practices are experiencing a resurgence in popularity within the Protestant sector of the Christian Church unlike ever before in its history. Many of the Christian spiritual disciplines (or exercises) are being rediscovered as people see how they are effective tools to help them interact with God on more meaningful levels. Popular author, Dallas Willard, says that the ‘spiritual disciplines are those things we can do, which enable us to receive the grace to do what we cannot do' [paraphrase]; namely, to become like Jesus Christ.
Lectio Divina itself can be translated as ‘Divine or Spiritual Reading'. It was referred to as early as the third century by Origen (Christian scholar and theologian); later becoming a regular practice in monastic communities by the 5th century and mentioned by St. Benedict in his influential Rule. There is a good description of Lectio Divina in The Message: Remix by Eugene Peterson (Th1nkbooks/Navpress). It ascribes the modern idioms READ, THINK, PRAY, LIVE to the process of Lectio Divina and is very helpful in understanding this practice.
The Youth Department staff is very passionate about empowering young people within this island to discover afresh this God who loves, and has invited them into a dynamic relationship with Himself that leads to cultural renewal. Throughout history, God has never failed those who have desired to know Him. We believe He still responds eagerly to those who seek Him. May this be the experience of young people in Ireland (N & S) as they make space to engage with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through the use of fuel.
fuel is a Bible resource designed as a journal allowing individuals opportunity to read and reflect on God's word. This would be ideal as part of a confirmation course with young people. Cost £1.50/€2.00 per copy plus p&p.
Contact Barbara @ 028 9066 0052 or barbara@ciyd.org