Lectio Divina Scripture | Engage Deeply with God's Word

what is lectio divina?

Lectio Divina, also known as “Soaking in Scripture,” is a form of prayer that enables you to deeply engage with the richness and vitality of God’s Word.This method of Bible reading encourages active listening for God’s voice.

Commence by reading a scripture passage, then contemplate its significance, respond to God in prayer based on that significance, and ultimately, find solace and stillness in God’s presence without the need for further words. Reading is akin to ingesting food, meditation involves chewing and digesting it, prayer extracts its essence, and contemplation is the sweet enjoyment that uplifts and refreshes.

Below are the four steps of Soaking in Scripture:

1. READ

Read a brief Bible passage slowly, then read it again several times. The objective is not to hurry through the Bible but to discern God’s personal message to you.

2. REFLECT

Ponder on the scripture passage, relishing the words that resonate with you. Meditate on these words as you listen for God’s voice speaking to you through them.

3. RESPOND

How does reflecting on God’s Word prompt you to respond to Him? This is a dialogue, not a monologue. Listen to God’s message, then respond to Him. He will hear you.

4. REST

Relax in God’s presence without the necessity of saying anything. Allow yourself to be enveloped by God’s love and acceptance. This is akin to having a tranquil moment with God. Be still, let go of any distractions, and sense God’s presence within and around you.

Finish with a gratitude prayer to the Father, expressing your appreciation for this time of self-reflection and conversation with Him.

psalm 139:13-16

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation!

You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.

~Psalm 139: 13-16 (Message)

Gently relax your gaze. Set aside all distractions.

Sink deeply into your seat.

Inhale deeply and focus on the present moment.

When you feel ready, open your eyes and envision the Father standing before you, reading this love letter to you.

Beloved Beautiful Girl,

I have complete knowledge of you. I observe every aspect of your life, down to the smallest detail such as the number of hairs on your head, as you are made in My likeness. In Me, you find your being as My cherished offspring. Even before your creation, I knew and selected you as part of My design.

Your existence is not a mistake; every part of your life is orchestrated by Me. I have ordained the timing of your birth, your place of dwelling, and every facet of your existence. You are exquisitely formed in your mother's womb and brought into this world at the perfect moment. While some may have painted an inaccurate picture of Me, I am not distant or wrathful; instead, I am the epitome of love, eager to pour out My affection upon you.

As your Father, I offer you more than any earthly father could provide, for I am the Ultimate Father. Every good gift you receive comes from Me, as I am your sustainer, meeting all your needs. My plans for your future are brimming with hope and love, for My love for you is boundless.

I have countless thoughts focused on you, singing over you in joy. I will consistently bless you, for you are My treasured possession. With all My heart and soul, I aim to establish you and unveil wonderful things to you. If you earnestly seek Me, you will find Me, and I will grant you the desires of your heart, as I have placed those desires within you. My abilities surpass your imagination, for I am your greatest source of comfort and encouragement in times of trouble.

I am your Father, loving you as I love My Son, Jesus, who embodies My love for you. He reflects My essence and came to demonstrate that I am on your side, not against you. Through Jesus, I extend reconciliation, as His sacrifice showcases the depth of My love for you. I gave up everything for your sake, and by accepting Jesus, you also accept Me, forging an unbreakable bond of love.

I eagerly anticipate the grand celebration of you in heaven, for you are My precious one. I have always been and will forever be your loving Father, your Abba, your Daddy.

Forever and always deeply in love with you, My precious girl.

Your Abba Father

psalm 23

Image by Ambitious Studio* | Rick Barrett

Lord, You are my closest companion, healing and nourishing me. Why do I always have abundance? Because You are, after all, my Best Friend.

You provide me with a place to rest in Your abundant love, where I am learning to remain and dwell. I desire, Lord, to embrace Your invitation to relax and still my soul.

Listening to You and following Your guidance leads me daily to a peaceful oasis and a serene stream of contentment. Here, You renew and revitalize my life. Lord, I ask you, what does my restored and revived life look like?

You guide me as You direct my steps. By matching Your pace, following You each day, and remaining in Your presence, I am learning to ebb and flow with Your every move.

Fear will never conquer or overwhelm me, even when the path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness and wave upon wave of warfare. You always remain close to me, consistently by my side. What does it look like, Lord, to not be full of fear?

The solace of Your love dispels all fear, ensuring I am never alone. Your power is my source of strength and tranquility. You and Your trusty shepherd's crook stand by me and support me constantly.

You serve a royal dinner, even when the adversary has the audacity to battle. I partake of Your custom feast for two on the battlefield. Why? Because You want my enemies to see what they are missing and rub it in their faces as You show them Whose I am!

My life overflows with blessings from the essence of the Holy Spirit. He fills me with His presence until my heart overflows. His tangible presence alters and transforms the atmosphere around me.

Do I fear the future? No way! Your love and kindness follow me everywhere I go until, at the appointed moment, You take me home to dwell with You for all eternity. Selah!

I will never look back because that glorious moment is when I begin a life that exceeds all expectations with the Lover of my soul, my Dearest Shepherd, and my Best Friend.

~Personalized and Emphasized Version of Psalm 23

isaiah 43:19-21

This is what God says, the God who builds a road right through the ocean, who carves a path through pounding waves,

The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—they lie down and then can’t get up; they’re snuffed out like so many candles:

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history.

Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.

It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?

There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.

Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’

—the coyotes and the buzzards—

Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sunbaked earth,

Drinking water for the people I chose, the people I made especially for myself, a people custom-made to praise me.

Isaiah 43:19-21 (The Message)

Ponder:

God declares His power and ability to create paths through the ocean and waves, and to summon armies that are ultimately subdued. He urges forgetting past events and focusing on the new things He is about to accomplish. God is making a way in the desert and providing rivers in barren lands, which will benefit both wild animals and His chosen people. This provision is meant for those He created to praise Him.

How does this make you feel?

What do you hear God saying?

Father, help me to listen to Your heart, allowing me to comprehend Your words and gain insight and wisdom into Your intentions. In Jesus Name'. Amen.

psalm 46:8-11

Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across His knee.

“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at Me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.

Psalm 46:8-11 (the Message)

Ponder:

How does this make you feel?

What do you think God is saying?