HEARING GOD: LECTIO DIVINA Philippians 3:10-14 June 13, 2020

2018

English - June 25, 2020 20:06 - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings
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HEARING GOD: LECTIO DIVINA Background | “Lectio Divina” is Latin for “spiritual reading” or “holy reading.” Lection Divina is a way of becoming immersed in the Scriptures very personally. It draws on the way Jews read the Haggadah, a text read during Passover that retells the Exodus story. Haggadah means “telling” and along with being a physical text, the word […]

<b><i>HEARING GOD: LECTIO DIVINA</i></b>

<b><i>Background |</i></b> "Lectio Divina" is Latin for "spiritual reading" or "holy reading."
Lection Divina is a way of becoming immersed in the Scriptures very personally. It draws on the way Jews read the <i>Haggadah</i>, a text read during Passover that retells the Exodus story. <i>Haggadah </i>means “telling” and along with being a physical text, the word captures the practice of telling and retelling a story.

The Christian form of Lectio Divina was first introduced by St. Gregory of Nyssa (c 330- 395), and also encouraged by St. Benedict of Nursia (c 480-547), the founder of the Benedictine order. Lection Divina is a way of developing a closer relationship with God by reflecting prayerfully on His words. This ancient prayer practice that allows us to encounter the Living God through His written Word. When we practice Lectio Divina, we are saying: <i>"Father, here I am. Speak for your servant is listening.”</i>

In Lectio Divina, we come with an open heart and without an agenda. This allows God to do His work in us, as He chooses. We begin by quieting our heart and mind and turning our focus to God. It helps us to remember that we are entering into the presence of the Living God who is HERE… present with us in this place, this holy space. We let everything else go, as best as we can, and set the time aside for being with God and hearing His voice. We open our Bibles and read with a vulnerable heart. We expect to be blessed in the reading. We read with a sense of anticipation—as one awake, one waiting for the Beloved.

The simple prayer practice of Lectio Divina takes us through FOUR movements, as we are drawn closer to God through each prayerful reading of the chosen passage.

<b>TODAY, read </b><a href="http://u11170439.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=TkRvCNB6g5wkDOpuEAytdIg4Bf3wVR1MTzbZBR8qKNQrtACE-2FeJlGss3ZLsoHqZDXmqKRT6U0RpkuEm-2BIUKyyHXbZ1yvDnDC9zyP-2BBNCbpKJ5UQpCcAv6GhQU74GX9y0GhZ6_fwgD6gv5dwcsbOIF27Sa5tlyzE6-2Betmi7CY5eC88JXoU9lJOWJVeHUjLE42HzxRPQkGmGLanXN-2Fjlc-2Bcp5zX-2FITtvzBT8xCx7Aofh0h1TPUwJ-2FgB1AYZWZj2JwUlbY-2FNxCC49zbW43LRqA5-2FL5YPqGKzoKeC-2Bb6KIB1zqS1B-2FW0aAwZSgx-2BXlj4Z79sNcg-2FYz-2Bz4o3cqXYH4fVOnuYhFVyRMAZ0YF9ymKszvFgcJosM-3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b><i>Philippians 3:10 - 14.</i></b></a>
<ol>
<li><b>READ</b></li>
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<ul>
<li>
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<li>Read the passage slowly, considering the invitation that reading Scripture is “encountering God himself or hearing his voice.”</li>
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<li>Ask God to give you an openness to his presence—to hear whatever his Spirit wishes to bring you today.</li>
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<li>
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<li>As you read the text the first time, at the most basic level, you <b>ASK:</b></li>
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<b>What does the text say? What is going on in this Bible passage?</b>
<ol start="2">
<li><b>REFLECT</b></li>
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<ul>
<li>
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<li>On the second prayerful reading and for a few minutes afterward, <b>ASK:</b></li>
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<b>What is God saying to me through the text?</b>

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<li>
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<li>At this point, you ask whether there is something that God might want to reveal to you through this passage. You will notice your attention being drawn to something.</li>
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</li>
</ul>

<i>What struck you from this text? Why do you think that is?</i>

<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Listen for a particular word or a phrase that stood out to you.</li>
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</li>
</ul>

<i>Why do you think these words resonated with you?</i>

<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Reflect on why God would highlight this for you today.</li>
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</li>
</ul>
It might connect with something in your life. Ask Him any questions that come to mind and note things that seem important as you meditate on what He has given you. Remember that the focus is on listening to what God has to say to you.
<ol start="3">
<li><b>RESPOND</b> (<i>Write Something Down</i>)</li>
</ol>

<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>On the third prayerful reading of the passage, listen now for God's invitation, and respond from your heart. The Living God is always inviting us in some way... to let go of something, to take up something; to do or be something.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<b>Ask: What do I want to say to God about the text?</b>

<ol start="3">
<li>
<ul>
<li>After meditating on this passage, you might find yourself fearful of what you feel called to do. On the other hand, you might feel encouraged to do what the Lord has called you to do. Use this part of your prayer to tell God about your feelings. Be honest—and don’t worry. Trust in the Lord.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><b>REST</b></li>
</ol>

<ul>
<li>
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<li>The focus of the fourth prayerful reading of the passage is simply to rest now in the love that God has for you. Let the words wash over you. Allow God's Spirit to draw you close and fill you with His love, grace and peace. Sit in the companionship of God—linger in this place of deep connection, for you are being filled and refreshed for your continuing journey.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Finally, out of this place of abiding, you get to go to work. You get to act. Now that you have asked yourself what God is saying, and have spoken to God about your reaction, you get to do something. Prayer should move us to action, even if it simply makes us want to be more compassionate and faithful.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li><b>Ask: What is God calling me to do?</b> Be specific. Be practical. Narrow in on something that can be observed, measured and elevated—no matter how small.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

<b><i>Final Words |</i></b> This whole process might go quickly and be finished in only a few minutes. Or you might find yourself caught up and lingering in a single movement for a long time. Don’t worry, there is no wrong way. In whatever way you approach this practice, you get to spend time with your heavenly Father and be transformed by him!

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