The latest series at Kerith Community Church. What does it mean to be truly ALIVE?
Go on a journey at our Sunday gatherings and midweek to meet Jesus’ first followers as they discover for themselves that Jesus is ALIVE. Find out more from some of his present-day followers who have been transformed by their encounters with the risen Jesus.
Weekly Guided Prayer & Reading
We have collated a Lectio Divina devotional for each week of our ALIVE series. Listen or read below.
Week 1 - Mary Magdalene (Transformed by Love)
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Alive Series Lectio – John 20:1-18
Welcome. Take a deep breath. Slow down. You are here, and God is too.
As we enter into this time of Lectio Divina—a sacred reading of Scripture—we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His Word. This is not a time for study or analysis, but a time to listen…to breathe in God… A time to be present to the risen Jesus.
Today’s passage is from the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 1 to 18.
We will move through four movements: Lectio – reading Meditatio – meditating Oratio – responding Contemplatio – resting in God
1. Lectio – Read
Listen now to the Word of God. Allow it to settle in your heart as I read.
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen.
Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
Pause. Take a moment to let this scene settle into your spirit.
As I listen again to this story, is there a word or phrase that captures my attention? That stirs something in me?
What emotions stir in you as you imagine this scene? Where do you see yourself in the story? Are you running with the disciples? Are you standing outside, confused and weeping like Mary? Or perhaps hearing Jesus speak your name?
2. Meditatio – Reflect
What word or phrase stood out to you?
“While it was still dark…” – Are you in a place of darkness or waiting? What might God be doing in the hidden places?
“Mary stood outside the tomb crying…” – Where are you grieving or longing?
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’” – Hear Jesus call your name. How does that feel?
“Do not hold on to me…” – Is there something you are clinging to that Jesus is inviting you to release so you can embrace something new?
Take a moment to dwell on that word or phrase. What might God be highlighting for you in this story today?
3. Oratio – Respond
Now, take a moment to respond to God.
What do you want to say to God? What questions do you have? What emotions are rising in you—joy, grief, hope, longing?
Maybe you want to whisper, “Rabboni.” Maybe you want to ask, “Where are You, Lord?” Or simply say, “Thank You for calling me by name.”
Let this become a personal conversation between you and Jesus. You might want to whisper it aloud… or let your heart speak in silence.
Take a moment now to pray.
How might the Spirit change you today?
What is one simple action you can take in response?
· Is there someone to share the good news with like Mary did?
· Is there a place Jesus is inviting you to look again—with hope?
· Is there something you need to lay down so resurrection life can rise?
Take a moment now to pray.
4. Contemplatio – Rest
Now, simply rest in God's presence.
You don’t need to do anything. You don’t need to say anything. Just be.
Let the risen Jesus look at you with love. Let the Holy Spirit comfort and fill you. Let the truth of the resurrection sink in: Jesus is alive. And He calls you by name.
Be still for a moment longer… and let yourself be loved.
Closing Prayer
Risen Christ, You meet us in our grief, our questions, our seeking. You call us by name, just as You called Mary. Give us ears to hear You, eyes to see You, and hearts that burn with resurrection hope. Amen.
Week 2 - Cleopas & his wife (Surprised by Hope)
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Alive Series Lectio – Luke 24:13-35
Welcome. Take a deep breath. Slow down. You are here, and God is too.
As we enter into this time of Lectio Divina—a sacred reading of Scripture—we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His Word. This is not a time for study or analysis, but a time to listen…to breathe in God’s presence… A time to be present to Jesus, even when we don’t recognise him.
Today’s passage is from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 20, verses 13 to 26.
We will move through four movements: Lectio – reading Meditatio – meditating Oratio – responding Contemplatio – resting in God
1. Lectio – Read
Listen now to the Word of God. Allow it to settle in your heart.
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognising him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.
Pause.
Take a moment to let this scene settle into your spirit.
As I listen again to this story, is there a word or phrase that captures my attention? What emotions arise as you imagine this scene? Where do you see yourself in the story?
Read the passage again.
2. Meditatio – Reflect
What word or phrase stood out to you?
“They were kept from recognising Him…” – Where do you struggle to see Jesus?
"What are you discussing together as you walk along?" - Is Jesus inviting you to honesty and processing?
"Their faces downcast… We had hoped..." - What disappointments are weighing on you? What are the hopes you've let go of?
"Stay with us." – What would it look like to ask Jesus to linger with you right now?
Take a moment to dwell on that word or phrase. What might God be highlighting for you in this story today?
3. Oratio – Respond
Now, take a moment to respond to God.
What do you want to say to God? What questions do you have? What emotions are rising in you—joy, grief, hope, longing?
Maybe you want to whisper, “Stay with me.” Maybe you want to name a hope, confessing “I’m disappointed” Or to thank God for the time when your heart burned with His nearness.
Let this become a personal conversation between you and Jesus. You might want to whisper it aloud… or let your heart speak in silence.
Take a moment now to pray.
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How might the Spirit change you today?
What is one simple action you can take in response?
· Is Jesus inviting you to share “It is true! The Lord has risen!”?
· Could Jesus be inviting you to reframe your understanding perspective through greater study understanding “all the Scriptures”?
· Perhaps you want to take communion today to encounter Jesus’ presence
Take a moment now to pray.
4. Contemplatio – Rest
Now, simply rest in God's presence.
You don’t need to do anything. You don’t need to say anything. Just be.
Let the risen Jesus look at you with love. Let the Holy Spirit comfort and fill you. Let the truth of the resurrection sink in: Jesus is alive.
Be still for a moment longer… and let yourself be loved.
Closing Prayer
Risen Christ, You meet us in our grief, our questions, our seeking. You walk with us through the hours of our days,
Give us ears to hear You, eyes to see You, and hearts that burn with resurrection hope. Amen
Week 3 - Thomas (filled with Peace)
Audio coming soon.
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Welcome. Take a deep breath. Slow down. You are here, and God is too.
As we enter into this time of Lectio Divina—a sacred reading of Scripture—we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His Word. This is not a time for study or analysis, but a time to listen…to breathe in God’s presence… A time to be present to the risen Jesus.
Today’s passage comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 19 to 29.
We will move through four movements: Lectio – reading Meditatio – meditating Oratio – responding Contemplatio – resting in God
1. Lectio – Read
Listen now to the Word of God. Allow it to settle in your heart as I read.
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”
Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Pause. Take a moment to let this scene settle into your spirit.
As I listen again to this story, is there a word or phrase that captures my attention? That stirs something in me?
What emotions stir in you as you imagine this scene?
2. Meditatio – Reflect
What word or phrase stood out to you?
“Peace be with you.” – Is there a place in your life where you long for peace? What might it look like to receive the peace Jesus offers?
“He showed them his hands and side.” – What wounds are you carrying? What does it mean to you that Jesus still bears His?
“Unless I see... I will not believe.” – Can you relate to Thomas’s doubt? What questions or uncertainties are you carrying?
“Put your finger here.” – Imagine Jesus meeting you with gentleness, not rebuke. Where is he inviting you to move towards him today?
“My Lord and my God!” – What stirs in your heart as you hear Thomas’s response? Is there a fresh declaration of faith rising in you?
Take a moment to dwell on that word or phrase.
Let it echo. What might God be highlighting for you in this story today?
3. Oratio – Respond
Now, take a moment to respond to God.
What do you want to say to God? What questions do you have? What emotions are rising in you—joy, grief, hope, longing?
Maybe you want to say, “I forgive them”
Maybe you want to whisper, “I’m still not sure… help me believe.”
Or simply, “My Lord and my God.”
This is your space to be honest—with your questions, your worship, your fears, your faith.
Let this be a personal conversation between you and Jesus.
Take a moment now to pray.
How might the Spirit change you today?
What is one simple action you can take in response?
· Is Jesus offering you peace in a place of fear or anxiety?
· Is He gently inviting you to bring your doubt to Him?
· Is He inviting you to believe before you have seen?
Take a moment now to pray.
4. Contemplatio – Rest
Now, simply rest in God's presence.
You don’t need to do or say anything.
Just be here… with the One who has never left you.
Let Jesus, risen and radiant, look at you with love.
He shows you His wounds.
He meets you in your doubts.
Let His words, “Peace be with you,” wash over your soul.
Be still…
Closing Prayer
Risen Jesus,
You come through locked doors and fearful hearts.
You speak peace when we need it most.
You invite us to touch, to see, to believe.
Thank You for meeting us with kindness,
even in our questions and uncertainty.
Thank You for calling us beyond fear into faith.
Open our hearts to say with Thomas,
“My Lord and my God.”
Amen.
Week 4 - Peter (Living in Freedom)
Audio coming soon.
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Welcome. Take a deep breath. Slow down. You are here, and God is too.
As we enter into this time of Lectio Divina—a sacred reading of Scripture—we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His Word. This is not a time for study or analysis, but a time to listen…to breathe in God’s presence… A time to be present to the risen Jesus.
Today’s passage comes from the Gospel of John, chapter 21
We will move through four movements: Lectio – reading Meditatio – meditating Oratio – responding Contemplatio – resting in God
1. Lectio – Read
Listen now to the Word of God. Allow it to settle in your heart as I read. 1 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee.[a] It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus[b]), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.
5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”
“No,” they answered.
6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.[c] 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.
10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Pause. Take a moment to let this scene settle into your spirit.
As I listen again to this story, is there a word or phrase that captures my attention? That stirs something in me?
What emotions stir in you as you imagine this scene?
2. Meditatio – Reflect
What word or phrase stood out to you?
“– but that night they caught nothing…” – Are there areas in your life that feel empty, fruitless, or tired?
“It is the Lord!” – Are your eyes open to recognise Jesus in the ordinary moments? Where have you seen Him lately?
“Come and have breakfast.” – What does it mean to be nourished by Jesus—not just spiritually, but relationally?
“Do you love me more than these?” – Is Jesus your number one priority in your life?
“My Lord and my God!” – What stirs in your heart as you hear Peter’s response? Is there a fresh declaration of faith rising in you?
Take a moment to dwell on that word or phrase.
Let it echo. What might God be highlighting for you in this story today?
3. Oratio – Respond
Now, take a moment to respond to God.
What do you want to say to God? What questions do you have? What emotions are rising in you—joy, grief, hope, longing?
Maybe you want to whisper, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Maybe you want to ask, “Can You still use me?” Or simply say, “Thank You for not giving up on me.”
This is your space to be honest—with your questions, your worship, your fears, your faith.
Let this be a personal conversation between you and Jesus.
Take a moment now to pray.
How might the Spirit change you today?
What is Jesus inviting you into today?
· Is there a “net” He’s asking you to cast again, even when it feels pointless?
· Is there a fire of restoration He’s gently drawing you toward?
· Is He reawakening your calling, saying, “Feed my sheep”?
Ask the Holy Spirit:
What’s one simple step of love I can take today in response to Jesus’ invitation?
Take a few moments to pray.
4. Contemplatio – Rest
Now, simply rest.
You don’t have to do anything.
Just be.
Jesus, the Risen One, is near.
He nourishes us.
He restores broken hearts.
He calls us by name.
Let Him sit with you now.
Let His love settle deep in your soul.
Let His grace fill the weary places.
Let His call echo quietly:
“Follow Me.”
Closing Prayer
Risen Jesus,
You come to us in the waiting,
in the working,
in the wondering.
You meet us with kindness.
You restore what we thought was lost,
and You call us again to love and to follow.
Thank You for not giving up on us.
Give us courage to trust You again—
to cast the net,
to feed Your sheep,
to walk where You lead.
And may our lives quietly whisper back to You:
“Yes, Lord… You know that I love You.”
Amen.
Week 5 - Paul (Fulfilling our Purpose)
Audio coming soon.
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Welcome. Take a deep breath. Slow down. You are here, and God is too.
As we enter into this time of Lectio Divina—a sacred reading of Scripture—we invite the Holy Spirit to speak to us through His Word. This is not a time for study or analysis, but a time to listen…to breathe in God’s presence… A time to be present to the risen Jesus.
Today’s passage comes from the Acts 9:1-9
We will move through four movements: Lectio – reading Meditatio – meditating Oratio – responding Contemplatio – resting in God
1. Lectio – Read
Listen now to the Word of God. Allow it to settle in your heart as I read.
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
Pause. Take a moment to let this scene settle into your spirit.
As I listen again to this story, is there a word or phrase that captures my attention? That stirs something in me?
What emotions stir in you as you imagine this scene?
2. Meditatio – Reflect
What word or phrase is standing out to you?
Maybe it's…
“Still breathing threats…” – Is there an area of your life where fear, pride, or striving is still taking up space? What might Jesus want to interrupt?
“Suddenly a light from heaven…” – What if God's presence is closer than you thought—even when you’re not looking?
“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” – What might Jesus be tenderly confronting in you—not to shame, but to awaken?
“Who are you, Lord?” – What is your heart longing to know about Jesus today?
“He could see nothing…” – Are you in a time of waiting, unknowing, or disorientation? What might God be doing in that space?
Let that word or phrase rest in your heart. What might God be highlighting for you in this story today?
3. Oratio – Respond
Now, take a moment to respond to God.
What do you want to say to God? What questions do you have? What emotions are rising in you?
Maybe you want to whisper, “Help me see” Maybe you want to ask, “Who are you Lord?”
This is your space to be honest—with your questions, your worship, your fears, your faith.
Let this be a personal conversation between you and Jesus.
Take a moment now to pray.
How might the Spirit change you today?
· Is there something Jesus is inviting you to lay down?
· A place of blindness He wants to heal?
· A direction He wants to change?
Ask the Holy Spirit What’s one simple step of love I can take today in response to Jesus’ invitation?
Take a few moments to pray.
4. Contemplatio – Rest
Now, simply rest.
You don’t have to do anything.
Just be.
Let Jesus’ light surround you.
Let His presence hold you.
He sees you.
He knows your name.
He meets you even in your opposition, your questions, your blindness.
And He leads you gently forward.
Be still now… and let yourself be loved.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, Light of the world,
You meet us where we are—
Even in our resistance, even in our certainty.
You call us by name and stop us in our tracks—
Not to shame us, but to awaken us.
To change our direction.
To draw us deeper into Your love.
Give us courage to ask, “Who are You, Lord?”
Give us grace to wait in the unknown.
And give us faith to follow wherever You lead.
Amen.
ALIVE - Week 1
Mary Magdalene - transformed by LOVE.
This message is from Ben Oliver, Executive Pastor, and an Elder who is a part of our Bracknell site.
ALIVE - Week 2
Discover how Cleopas is transformed.
This message is from Beccy Oliver, our Bracknell Site Pastor.
ALIVE - Week 3
Explore how Thomas's encounter with Jesus transformed his faith.
A message from Edward Issitt.
ALIVE - Week 4
Watch the 4th message from the ALIVE series. This week Ben Pocock was exploring Peter’s story.
ALIVE - Week 5
Watch the final message from the ALIVE series. For this final message, we are looking at Paul’s journey and how he was impacted by Jesus.
5-Week Online Course
Over 5 weeks explore the themes of ALIVE further in the setting of a 45 minute weekly online zoom call. Whether exploring faith, new to Christianity, or want to know more, you’re welcome.
Further Resources for ALIVE
With further resources for this series including an accompanying book, programmes for youth and children and much more, visit the ALIVE website today.