Dwelling in the Word: The Lost Art of Companionship

Scripture: Genesis 2:4–25 & John 15:12–17

How to Practice Dwelling in the Word

This practice invites us to read Scripture not just for knowledge, but for transformation. Slowly read the passage two or three times. After each reading, pause in silence. Notice what word, phrase, or feeling stirs in you. Let it speak. Let it stay. Let it guide your prayer, your day, your relationships. If you're doing this with others, share what stood out—without debate or explanation. Simply listen. Together, dwell.

Before Reading, Consider:

• What does true companionship look like—beyond romance or obligation?

• Who in your life offers presence, not just provision?

• Where might God be inviting you into deeper partnership—with others, or with God?

  
  

Genesis 2:4–25 (NRSVUE)

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no vegetation of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground—then the Lord God formed a human from the dust of the ground and breathed into their nostrils the breath of life, and the human became a living being. And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the human whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the middle of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river flows out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divides and becomes four branches. The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold, and the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one that flows around the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates. The Lord God took the human and put them in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the human, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die.” Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the human should be alone; I will make them a helper as their partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed every animal of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to the human to see what they would call them; and whatever the human called every living creature, that was its name. The human gave names to all cattle, and to the birds of the air, and to every animal of the field, but for the human there was not found a helper as their partner. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the human, and they slept; then he took one of their ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the human he made into a woman and brought her to the human. Then the human said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called Woman, for out of Man this one was taken.” Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

John 15:12–17 (NRSVUE)

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”

After Reading, Reflect:

• What word or phrase lingered with you?

• What does this say about God's desire for partnership, not just obedience?

• What makes care sacred—and how does presence matter more than provision?

• Where might God be calling you to show up—not to fix, but to walk with?

  
  

Closing Prayer

Holy Trinity—You who are Companion by nature: Creator, Christ, and Spirit—eternally giving and receiving love—Teach us this lost art of companionship. On this Father’s Day, we lift up those who have fathered with presence, those who have shown up not just with gifts, but with time, truth, and tenderness. We remember that Your care is not distant—it is daily. It is near. May we become companions who reflect Your love: present in pain, loyal in joy, and unashamed to stand close to others. Let our friendships be holy ground. Let our families be rooted in grace. Let our partnerships—romantic or otherwise—be shaped not by hierarchy or duty, but by love, vulnerability, and mutual care. You formed us for each other. You called us friends. Make us brave enough to live like that. Amen.