
Perhaps it’s been a minute since you’ve opened your Bible? Maybe circumstances in life are overwhelming you right now, and opening the Scriptures just seems too difficult? Or perhaps you are just not a religious type, and a spiritual practice of studying the Bible is just not your thing.
I get it. And I can especially relate to overwhelming circumstances with no motivation to open the Bible. Been there many times.
If you haven’t already discovered Lectio Divina, I invite you to join me and give it a try. Lectio Divina literally means divine reading. Through the centuries it has been a monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God. For me personally, I have found this practice to help me not just see scripture as something to be studied, but see it as alive. Here’s how it goes:
1. Find a quiet place.
2. If you are a journaling type, grab your journal.
3. Read the scripture below one time, then follow the next steps.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:25-26
4. Now read the scripture aloud and slowly. Use your imagination to place yourself in the story. For this particular passage, imagine Jesus is sitting next to you and you are visiting with Him. What do you see and feel?
5. Read the passage again, aloud and slowly. Pay attention to a word or phrase that strikes you. What is God saying to you?
6. Once again, return to the passage. This time make it your prayer. Allow the words to sink in and be a response to God for the particular circumstances you are facing right now.
That’s it! You completed a Lectio.
In my opinion, there is no right or wrong way to practice Lectio Divina. This is yours to own--your practice. For inspirations and prompts, check back for more devotionals.
With love and prayers,
Krista
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