Joy in God’s Word: Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina.

Sounds mysterious, right?

Actually, Lectio Divina means Divine Reading and is an ancient way to study God’s Word.

Although it sounds very mysterious it’s actually a simple way to hear God’s voice in Scripture.

There are many ways to practice Lectio Divina before, but here is one helpful way. I will share the steps in this method that help me connect with God. As we go through the steps, I’ll share what I gleaned from one session of this practice.

To begin, choose a short passage of Scripture (six to eight verses). It can be a part of your regular reading plan or a passage you choose specifically for this purpose.

Preparation (Silencio):

Before you read, take a moment to close your eyes and become aware of God’s presence with you. Let God know you are willing to hear from Him.

My thoughts tend to swirl when I first sit down. I just keep bringing them back to God, soaking up His love.

Read (Lectio):

Slowly read the passage you have chosen, pausing between phrases and sentences. Ask God to show you which word or phrase He is speaking to your heart today. Repeat that word or phrase softly, pondering it as a special message from One who loves you.

I chose Ephesians 3:14-21 for the reading.

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

When I read this passage, the word that God highlighted for me was “home.” I love this passage and know it well. I expected that the word God would choose for me would be “wide,” or “long,” or “high” from verse 18, but the Holy Spirit drew my attention to the word “home.”

Reflect (Meditatio):

Read the passage again while asking yourself: What in my life needs that specific word or phrase right now? Think about how that word impacts your life.

I wondered why God wanted me to think about “home.” As I read the passage again, I realized that home is where you feel most loved and accepted (or at least that is how home should be). Even though I know that God loves and accepts me just as I am, I still often feel the need to perform. I don’t feel I deserve His love unless I’ve done something worthy of it.

Respond (Oratio):

Read the passage one more time, listening for your heart’s response. What emotions bubble up when you read that word: love, joy, sorrow, grief, conviction? Be totally honest with yourself and God.

When I read the passage one more time, I first felt God’s sadness that I was still in a performance mode. But then I felt His comfort and peace. I felt a release of all the trying and striving. It was as if God was asking me to sit down in a big, cozy armchair right next to Him and simply enjoy being with Him.

Rest (Contemplatio):

Take time to rest in God’s love for you and the words He has spoken. This is a time of surrender and rest in God’s loving hands.

During this time I asked God to help me feel at home in His presence. I continued that mental picture of sitting next to Him in a time of rest.

Resolve (Incarnatio):

This step means to incarnate–live out–the Word of God. Write down the word or phrase given to you or think of an image of the word that you can carry with you throughout the day. In quiet moments, bring back the word or image and continue to ask God what significance that word has for you. Thank Him for speaking to you through His Word.

I resolved to carry that image of being at home with God throughout the day. Whenever I started to go back into my “try harder” mode, I pictured sitting in that cozy chair right next to a heavenly Father who loves me.

I love this version of Lectio Divina with the emphasis on listening for a specific word. I found this completely fascinating because each time I did this, the word that leaped off the page into my heart was never the one I expected. And yet it was the one that I most needed. Through that word God spoke to my deepest needs, even though before I read the passage, I might not have noticed that was my deepest need.

Next step: Try Lectio Divina today and find joy in God’s Word. Use Ephesians 3:14-21 or another passage from your daily Bible reading. Focus on God’s presence and listen to His voice.

For another take on Lectio Divina check out my post on SACRED Reading.