Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina (pronounced "lexio"), or "divine reading" is a way of interacting with the text of Scripture and with Christ in a conversational and transformational way. It is a very old spiritual discipline and is actually a method of prayer that leads us into a deeper meaning of the Word as well as transforms our lives.
Lectio Divina cultivates our relationships with Christ. As in every relationship there is listening and talking, silence and reflection and it is the same here as we enter into a dialogue with Christ through His Word. We meet Him on the pages of Scripture listening for His prompting to a deeper understanding and gentle invitation toward transformation
and relationship with Him.
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12
How is Lectio Divina practiced?
There are four parts to this discipline:
Read, Reflect, Respond and Rest
Read
First, choose a passage of Scripture. Now, read the passage and as you do, listen with your heart as well as your mind. Listen and read deeply, slowly and in silence anticipating meeting with God. As a phrase or word jumps off the page for attention, causes you to pause, or attracts you, stop reading as this is where you will meet with Him. Here is where you will enter into conversation with Christ through this passage.
Reflect
Now, reread the word or phrase He brought to your attention, and listen to your heart and mind’s response to the Scripture. What happens inside you as you reread it? Do you believe it? Do you struggle with it? Does it bring you to joy or praise? Is it showing you something about your life or heart that God wants to help you with, teach you, heal you? Allow the Scripture to interact with your thoughts, hopes, memories and desires. Ponder it in your heart – take it in and allow His word to touch and affect you at your deepest level as you repeat it to yourself.
Respond
Be in His presence and discuss whatever this portion of Scripture has brought to the surface. Enter a loving conversation with God about the word and the situation. Ask the Lord what it is about this word or phrase that He wants to tell you or teach you.
Talk with Him about your thoughts and emotions in response to the Word. Let this interaction with Christ touch and change your deepest self. You may find a new understanding of the Word or receive healing or gain more intimacy with God. Allow His truth to root out lies or misconceptions. Let this piece of the living Word bring you to repentance when needed. Whatever it is that Christ wants to do through this piece of Scripture, stay with Him here until you feel a resolution and peace.
Rest
Finally, rest in the presence of the One who has used His word to meet with you. Rest in His transforming embrace. Words now are unnecessary. Be in quiet rest in the presence of the One Who loves you. Let go and enjoy being with Him. Rest with Christ and allow your heart to move to praise.
God's Word changes us from the inside out
You can study about Scripture, you can learn about theology, historical and cultural references and even ancient languages but it is only the interaction of the Word of God itself in our hearts and minds that brings deep, lasting, eternal change in us.
Lectio Divina is a discipline that causes us to slow down and hear God speak through His Word. It is not a mystical, magical process but a deliberate communication with our God through His method of speaking to us - His Word. It is our acknowledgement that we believe what it says in Hebrews,
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
so, we come to the word of God so that it will judge our hearts and minds and by it we will be conformed and transformed as we renew our minds to the truth of the Word.
Lectio Divina is just one of the spiritual disciplines, click here to find more.
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