Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

Spiritual Practices

Praying the Scriptures or Lectio Divina is a time of reflection and listening to God’s Word as an opportunity to dwell in God’s presence. This method has been used by Christians for centuries and is sometimes called ‘holy reading.’

Process:

1) Select a short passage of scripture.
The Psalms and the Gospels are a great place to begin.

2) Be purposeful.
Sit comfortably and attentively. Invite God’s presence.

3) Read the passage (1 or 2 times).
Stop when a word or phrase stops you, becomes vibrant or attracts you. Bring all your senses to your listening.

Where are you?
Who else is there?
What do you hear, smell, see, taste, feel?

Become a participant in the story. Let the story unfold . 

*Allow for 1-2 minutes of silence.

4) Read the passage again.
Listen to discover how this passage touches your life today. Stay open to the Spirit’s leading. This is a time of reflection, so just let the scripture wash over your life. 

*Allow for 1-2 minutes of silence, creating openness to the Spirit.

5) Read the passage once more.
You may become aware of an invitation from God, or notice that Jesus has drawn near to you. Open your heart to receive and respond to Jesus’ presence or God’s invitation. (Be aware of resistance, and bring it to God if you detect it.) 

*Allow for 2-3 minutes of silence and response to God.

6) Share and pray. Take time to express your encounter with God. If alone, write out your experience, or write a prayer of response to God. In a group, share aloud the word, image, or invitation received.

Possible Scripture Passages:

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Philippians 2:5-11

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.