Living Changed: Lectio DivinaSample

What is Lectio Divina? Lectio Divina is a traditional practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s Word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied, but as the Living Word. “Lectio Divina” is Latin for “Divine Reading” and consists of  four sections.

1. Lectio (Read) | 2. Meditatio (Reflect) | 3. Oratio (Respond) | 4. Contemplatio (Rest)

Practice the Lectio Divina:

Read (Lectio)

Begin by reading this scripture. Listen for a word or phrase that feels significant right now, it may be capturing your attention even if you don’t know why. Gently repeat this word or phrase to yourself a couple of times. 

Psalm 139:1-6 TPT - "Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength."

Reflect (Meditatio)

Read the scripture again. Allow the word or phrase, that caught your attention earlier, to spark your imagination. Savor the word or phrase with all of your senses. Notice what smells, sounds, tastes, sights, and feelings are evoked. Listen for what images, feelings, and memories are stirring, welcome them in. 

Psalm 139:1-6 TPT - "Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength."

Respond (Oratio) 

Read the scripture again. Considering the same word or phrase, what has it evoked in your senses and imagination? What is God calling you to do? 

Psalm 139:1-6 TPT - "Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength."

Rest (Contemplatio) 

Read the scripture once more. Allow your heart to fill with gratitude for God’s presence. Slow your thoughts and sink into the stillness. Rest in the presence of God, and allow yourself to simply be. 

Psalm 139:1-6 TPT - "Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength."

Prayer 

Father, thank you that you see me and know me so well! I pray that you will impress this truth on my heart that I will walk with faith that you have gone before me to prepare the way and behind me to spare me harm. In Jesus name, Amen.