Quiet Table Guide: October 12-18

Scripture for the week: Genesis‬ ‭27‬:‭5‬-‭13‬ ‭

“Rebekah the Un-boundaried Controller”

Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back, Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “But my brother Esau is a hairy man while I have smooth skin. What if my father touches me? I would appear to be tricking him and would bring down a curse on myself rather than a blessing.” His mother said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.”

1. Ready Your Heart

Begin with a moment of silence or a short prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.

2. Read

Slowly read this week’s passage. (Consider reading it out loud or in a different translation each day.)

3. Reflect

What word, phrase, or image stands out to you today? What in your life might the Holy Spirit be drawing your attention to?

4. Respond

How can you allow this word to shape your interactions, decisions, or perspective today? Remember what you shared with your group about what you are doing to put the word into practice.

5. Receive

Spend a few moments in stillness, surrendering your thoughts, plans, and actions to God and resting in the presence of Jesus.

6. Practice: Boundary Making

Try on this spiritual practice for the week.

If you want to grow in compassion and courage, start here:

1. Identify the space.

Think about your relationships. Where do you feel resentful, drained, or anxious? That’s a sign a boundary is missing.

2. Name what’s yours and what’s not.

You can love deeply without carrying what isn’t yours to carry.

3. Clarify your boundary.

Write it simply: “I’ll take responsibility for ______, but not for ______.”

4. Communicate kindly.

Boundaries aren’t control—they’re clarity. “I care about you, but late-night calls aren’t good for me. Can we talk earlier in the day?”

5. Hold it with love.

Boundaries create space for mutual respect and for God to work.