We’re going to try something a little different this week. As we continue to learn about how we can “Love Where We Live” we are going to take some time to meditate on Scripture and ask God to reveal Himself to us through His Word. I would encourage you to use the practice of Lectio Divina. You might be asking – What in the world is Lectio Divina? Here is a definition that describes it beautifully!
“Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of reading the Bible. It dates back to the early centuries of the Christian Church and was established as a monastic practice by Benedict in the 6th century. It is a way of praying the Scriptures that leads us deeper into God’s word. We slow down. We read a short passage more than once. We chew it over slowly and carefully. We savor it. Scripture begins to speak to us in a new way. It speaks to us personally, and aids that union we have with God through Christ who is himself the Living Word.” (anglicancommunity.org)
Here’s how it works. You will read the Scripture 3 separate times, each time with a different focus. …or more times if you would like. You can try reading it in different versions as well.
First Reading – Listen. As you read the passage, listen for a word or phrase that attracts you. Allow it to arise from the passage as if it is God’s Word for you today. Sit in silence repeating the word or phrase in your head.
Second Reading – Ponder. As you read the passage again ask how this word or phrase speaks to your life and why it has connected with you.
Third Reading – Pray. As you read the passage for the last time, ask what Christ is calling from you. What is it that you need to do or consider or relinquish or take on as a result of what God is saying to you in this word or phrase?
Our prayer is that God speaks directly to your heart this week as you seek to grow in your understanding of how God is calling you to Love Where You Live.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
