What is Scriptural Exploration?
Naming Grace as Scriptural Exploration
Scriptural Exploration most resembles preaching from the pulpit as it begins with a
scriptural text. The parent may follow the Lectionary or choose a specific story of Jesus
to emphasize the trusting, loving relationship found with Jesus. As a preacher, the parent
begins with exegesis of the text. Exegesis, Greek for interpretation, may seem
overwhelming for busy parents. However, though demanding some time, the process
need not be daunting. “In general, exegesis is the time for us to ask questions of the text,
put on our detective eyewear, and let the conversation with the text begin.” 1
With the initial reading, the parent surfaces questions and observations of the text. The
parent then engages the sacramental imagination to see the text through the child’s eyes.
Next, the parent searches for insights by reading commentaries and reflections. The
parent will then enter the depths of Scripture through lectio divina. “It consists of reading
God’s word in a moment of prayer and allowing it to enlighten and renew us.” 2
The parent is now ready to discover new meaning by “playing with the text.” 3
Imaginative play breathes new life into the setting, the landscape, and the characters of
the text, giving freshness to a well-known or overused text. Several overarching questions
should pervade the process: Where does grace present itself in the text? Which passage
from the text could have the greatest impact on the child? What line or phrase draws the
child into a deeper relationship with Jesus? What image could connect with the child?
What in the child’s experience will help make sense of the text?
The parent is ready to draft a reflection, based on the one pearl that is image-driven. Once
the pearl for Naming Grace is polished, critical questions are designed to initiate
conversation. Finally, the parent as preacher envisions the unfolding of the preaching
event: the environment, the proclamation, reflection, conversation, silence, possible
activity, and prayer—all to bring the child closer to Jesus.
Naming Grace as Scriptural Exploration proceeds through the following steps:
1. Chooses a Scriptural text.
2. Reads carefully and asks questions of the text.
3. Explores the text through a child’s eyes.
4. Reads the commentaries or reflections.
5. Prays with the text through Lectio divina.
6. Plays with the text through his/her imagination.
7. Decides on the one pearl.
8. Explores the child’s experiences for a point of contact.
9. Writes the proclamation in a few words.
10. Anticipates questions to stimulate conversation.
11. Creates a “hands-on” activity to reinforce the preaching.
12. Sets the environment.
13. Names Grace.
14. Leads the child in worship and mission.
1 Jennifer Lord, Finding Language and Imagery: Words for Holy Speech (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press,
2010), 33.
2 Evangelii Gaudium, n. 152.
3 Robert C. Dykstra, Discovering a Sermon: Personal Pastoral Preaching (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press,
2001), 11-42.
2010), 33.
2 Evangelii Gaudium, n. 152.
3 Robert C. Dykstra, Discovering a Sermon: Personal Pastoral Preaching (St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press,
2001), 11-42.