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. Begin 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.

Lectio Divina Steps to Follow:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prayers

Isaiah 43:1-2,4

No Fear.

Now, this is what Yahweh says:

“Listen, Jacob, to the One who created you,

Israel, to the one who shaped who you are.

Do not fear,

for I, your Kinsman-Redeemer, will rescue you.

I have called you by name, and you are mine.

2When you pass through the deep, stormy sea,

you can count on me to be there with you.

When you pass through raging rivers,

you will not drown.

When you walk through persecution like fiery flames,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not harm you,

Since you are cherished and precious in my eyes,

and because I love you dearly and want to honor you,

I willingly give up nations in exchange for you—

a man to save your life.

(TPT)

Isaiah 43:19-21

God's Unheard of Thing.

I am doing something brand new, something unheard of.

Even now it sprouts and grows and matures.

Don’t you perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness

and open up flowing streams in the desert.

Wild beasts, jackals, and owls will glorify me.

For I supply streams of water in the desert

and rivers in the wilderness

to satisfy the thirst of my people, my chosen ones,

21so that you, whom I have shaped and formed for myself,

will proclaim my praise.

(TPT)

Phillipians 2:5-8

Humility and Obedience.

And consider the example that Jesus, the Anointed One, has set before us. Let his mindset become your motivation.

The Example of Jesus Christ

6 He existed in the form of God, yet he gave no thought to seizing equality with God as his supreme prize.

7 Instead he emptied himself of his outward glory by reducing himself to the form of a lowly servant. He became human!

8 He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient. He was a perfect example, even in his death—a criminal’s death by crucifixion!

(TPT)

Psalm 46:1-3

My Refuge.

God, you’re such a safe and powerful place to find refuge!

You’re a proven help in time of trouble—

more than enough and always available whenever I need you.

So we will never fear

even if every structure of support were to crumble away.

We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes,

moving mountains and casting them into the sea.

For the raging roar of stormy winds and crashing waves

cannot erode our faith in you.

(TPT)