Lectio Divina: A completely different way to study scripture.

Lectio Divina: A completely different way to study scripture. It will transform your devotions and your life.

It is an ancient way^[1] of not just reading passages of scripture each day but meditating on them as you invite God to change your life.

Disclaimer

The journey of faith is in many ways quite unique for each of us; yet numerous things lie in common. It was only after more than fifty years of devotions that I discovered this entrance right into the presence of the Almighty.

For perhaps the first time I began to understand what St Paul meant when he told the Ephesian church of the invitation to rise up into the heavenly places and sit with God.

But first be warned; he is a holy God. You will be confronted with any sin that remains in your life; and told of his love and grace. We can only sit in the arms of God when our wrongs have been dealt with; and are covered by the blood of the Lamb.

Lectio Divina: A completely different way to study scripture.

Firstly understand that Lectio Divina, a completely different way to study scripture will take time. Be prepared for at least half an hour to meditate on a short passage, probably no more than 10 verses.

Before long you will discover that caught up in wonder very often an hour or more will pass. You are entering right into the presence of God; and He will come in and sup with you and you with Him.

Lectio Divina is not for the luke warm; it has turned my spiritual life upside down and it will transform yours too. A passage of scripture will become the "Living Word" as Jesus speaks right into your heart.

More, Lectio Divina will be preparing you for a life of service to the Church, the body of Jesus on earth. Some New Testament writers go further describing us as becoming slaves of Christ; it is very costly.

You will read the passage four times and end with a time of silence.

This is not a didactic process; it will vary each day and before long you will develop your own unique Lectio Divina. Nevertheless in the beginning it is helpful to have some form to your devotions; and to which you may return periodically.

Part 1: Read the passage

Read the chosen passage slowly noting anything that stands out for you; perhaps scribble it down in your diary.

Be still allowing the desire to learn from the Holy Spirit as he comes to lead you into all truth.

Read the passage a second time; are there any new thoughts that strike you?

Part 2: Meditate on the passage

There is now a movement from the mind to the heart. How has the passage touched you? Is there a particular word that strikes you? Make more notes in your diary.

Part 3: Contemplate

Now savour the words and passages that touched your heart. Imagine you are having a meal with Jesus. Listen for his voice.

Ponder what God has spoken into your heart.

Read the passage again, perhaps this time aloud.

Part 4: Pray

You are now right in the presence of God; be still, allowing him to pour his Spirit into your heart. Living water will come bubbling up unto eternal life.

If you have been given the gift of tongues, this is the time to worship God in the spirit.

Perhaps you will be given a song of joy; focus on Jesus and his great love for you, his saving grace and his forgiveness.

Bring to him the cares of the world and any heaviness of heart. Allow him to guide and direct you in the way you will go; you will be standing on level ground, not the slippery slope.

Finally read the passage again for the last time.

Revisit your contemplation

I find it useful to revisit your contemplation once or twice during the day; just briefly. It helps to firmly implant the word of God in your heart and mind.

Lectio Divina: A completely different way to study scripture.

years to finish the whole bible

Studying the scriptures using the Lectio Divina method means it will take years to cover the whole bible.

I recommend in the evening before bed to take a much longer passage from a different part of the Bible. It's not unimportant to keep the bigger picture in mind. For that to happen you want to read both testaments completely at least every few years.

Tell others

You will find your faith growing in leaps and bounds once you start to practise Lectio Divina. God will create opportunities for you to share your faith with unbelievers and doubters; and to provide help for those who are struggling.

Your work life will be transformed too; no longer will to feel the need to amass a fortune. The greed that once characterised our lives fades into nothingness.

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