Lectio Divina

[lordofthesquishies]

The following is from the "Worth Reading" section of the youth website.

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The Practice of Lectio Divina…



A very ancient art, practiced at one time by all Christians, is the technique known as lectio divina - a slow, contemplative praying of the Scriptures which enables the Bible, the Word of God, to become a means of union with God. The practice of lectio divina begins with cultivating the ability to listen deeply, to hear “with the ear of our hearts”, allowing ourselves to listen for the still, small voice of God (I Kings 19:12); the “faint murmuring sound” which is God's Word for us, God's voice touching our hearts.





4 Steps of Lectio Divina…



1. LISTENING: Start your devotional time each day asking God to reveal His message to you. In lectio divina we turn to the Scriptures, knowing that we must “hear” - listen - to the voice of God, which often speaks very softly. In order to hear someone speaking softly we must learn to be silent. We must learn to love silence. If we are constantly speaking or if we are surrounded with noise, we cannot hear gentle sounds. The practice of lectio divina, therefore, requires that we first quiet down in order to hear God's Word to us.



2. READING: This step in lectio divina is very different from the speed reading which modern Christians apply to newspapers, books and even to the Bible. Lectio is reverential listening; listening both in a spirit of silence and of awe. We are listening for the still, small voice of God that will speak to us personally - not loudly, but intimately. In lectio we read slowly, attentively, gently listening to hear a word or phrase that is God's word for us this day. Spend a couple of minutes after each day's readings to silently reflect on the Word and allow God to speak to you.



3. PRAYER: Prayer understood both as dialogue with God, that is, as loving conversation with the One who has invited us into His embrace; and as consecration, prayer as the priestly offering to God of ourselves. In this consecration-prayer we allow the Word that we have taken in and on which we are pondering to touch and change our deepest selves. God invites us in lectio divina to hold up our most difficult and pain-filled experiences to Him. In this oratio, this consecration-prayer, we allow ourselves to be touched and changed by the Word of God.



4. MEDITATING: We simply rest in the presence of the One who has used His Word as a means of inviting us to accept His transforming embrace. No one who has ever been in love needs to be reminded that there are moments in loving relationships when words are unnecessary. It is the same in our relationship with God. Wordless, quiet rest in the presence of the One who loves us – that is meditatio, meditation. Once again we practice silence, letting go of our own words; this time simply enjoying the experience of being in the presence of God. Through meditatio we allow God's word to become His word for us, a word that touches us and affects us at our deepest levels.





Try practicing Lectio Divina as you travel through the Scriptures with the Daily Charge...

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Thoughts?

[EoN]

Hmmmm....

Very interesting.

It often seems as though we Christians forget how to truly "listen." We get so caught up in the general hubbub of life that we forget what is truly important. I would have to admit that I often am guilty of this--wasting time doing insignificant things when I should be concentrating on God.

It is Scriptural that we should "meditate" on God's word, but it is necessary that we clarify our definition of meditate. The kind of meditating we are to do does not involve sitting on the floor with our legs crossed and saying "uuummmm" repeatedly, nor does it involve listening to Jedi Master Yoda saying "Clear your mind, calm you must be" in a soft, soothing voice. A meditation where you are just sitting there doing nothing is pretty well worthless. After all, God does not often just pop out and speak to us audibly (at least he never has to me). No, he often speaks to us directly through his word. There have been many times where I have been reading or studying Scripture that God has revealed something to me directly through his word. This was not done in a audible way, but my thoughts were lead in a direction to ascertain something from a passage that I had not previously.

"This book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it by day and by night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall act wisely." ~ Joshua 1:8

This verse states that we should "meditate" God's law. But what exactly is this type of meditation?

I believe that this type of meditation involves more than just reading the Word of God. When you only read the word of God, all you are doing is scratching the surface. It's like finding a mud-covered crystal in the dirt--you don't get to see the part that is truly beautiful and worth something until you dig in a little. With Scripture, it is the same way. When we just read it, we are only seeing a little piece of what Scripture really is. To see all the beauty underneath, we must study it carefully--considering its meaning. Often, this includes seeing what others have said on the subject (Study Bibles are a great tool for this), seeing what other Scripture passages dealing with the same subject say (Study Bibles are a great tool for this also), and understanding the times/events mentioned in the text (I think I mentioned a study Bible before...). When we understand and have researched these elements, often we come away with a larger view of what a passage is really saying. Another thing that often helps is studying a passage in the original language. When the passage is translated, some of its meaning is inevitable lost in the transition between languages. To understand the fullness of what the passage is saying, it often helps to consider the meaning of the passage's key words in their original language. Granted, most of us are not Greek scholars (with the exception of a gifted few). Because of this, there are many various tools for doing this out there, such as software for your computer and various dictionaries to be used along with Strong's Numbering System.

Example: when we look at the passage above, what can we gather if we study it in a more in-depth fashion?

First of all, what does the passage seem to say?
After my initial reading of it, what I get out of it is something like this: we are to always have in mind the laws of God so that we will not disobey him.

So is what I drew from the verse correct?

Let's ask some questions of the Scripture.
What is the meaning of the word meditate in this passage?

The Hebrew used here is the word hâ gâ h, which means "to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication to ponder: - imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk, utter."

What do we learn from our study above?

Now that we have looked at the word in its original meaning, we see that it takes on a whole variety of new meanings. Not only does it mean to talk or utter but it also means to study and ponder.

Often, when interpreting a passage of Scripture it is also helpful to look at what others have said. Or, we can cross-reference the passage to see what other Scripture passages say about the subject. When we do this, we find passages like Psalms 1:2, which says: "But his delight is only in the Law of Jehovah; and in His Law he meditates day and night."

What does our new-found knowledge mean for our lives today?

Every passage in Scripture is applicable in some way to our lives today. There is always something we can learn from it. So what can we learn from this particular passage?

From our study of this passage, we conclude that to truly meditate on the Scriptures, we must not just read them. We must also study them in an in-depth manner, and ask God to show us what they mean. It is only through study, prayer, and more of the same that one can truly see the meaning of a passage of Scripture. To understand a book so rich takes time and effort--understanding will not come to the lazy or faint of heart.

Therefore, I would say that meditating on God's word--thinking about the meaning of it and asking God to reveal it to you-- is of utmost importance. To really meditate on God's word involves reading, study, and prayer. As for the "praying" the Scriptures to God, it is important to remember that many passages in Scripture actually are prayers. We see passages that include many verses in the Psalms where this is the case. Often, these types of passages express very well what we are going through and speak to us in many ways. Praying these to God in tough times often serves as a great comfort--it helps us to know that we're not the only ones who have had these troubles and that others have made it through them.

That said, one's study time must include a balance of all the discussed in this post. It is necessary to read, study, and ask God to reveal the meaning of Scripture to you. One cannot simply "pray" Scripture to God and expect him to reveal the meaning to you like a lightning bolt from above. No, we must search for the meaning through study with God's help--when we truly search for the meaning with all our hearts, God will reveal it to us.

"But if you shall seek Jehovah your God from there, you shall find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul." ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

"For each one who asks receives; and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, it shall be opened." ~ Matthew 7:8

"To the Chief Musician, on the deer of the dawn. A Psalm of David.
My God, my God, why have You forsaken me, and are far from my deliverance, and from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not answer; and in the night, and am not silent. But You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed. But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people. All who see Me mock me; they shoot out the lip; they shake the head, saying, He trusted on Jehovah; let Him deliver Him; let Him rescue Him, since He delights in Him! For You are He who took Me out of the womb, causing Me to trust while on My mother's breasts. I was cast on You from the womb; You are My God from My mother's belly. Be not far from Me; for trouble is near, for there is none to help. Many bulls have circled around Me; strong bulls Of Bashan have surrounded Me. They opened wide their mouths on Me, like a ripping and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all My bones are spread apart; My heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of My bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue clings to My jaws; and You have brought Me into the dust of death. For dogs have circled around Me; the band of spoilers have hemmed Me in, piercers of My hands and My feet.
I can count all My bones; they look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them and cast lots for My clothing. But You, O Jehovah, be not far from Me; O My strength, hurry to help Me!
Deliver My soul from the sword, My only one from the dog's hand.
Save Me from the lion's mouth; from the wild oxen's horns. You have answered Me. I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You. You who fear Jehovah, praise Him; all of you, the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him all the seed of Israel. For He has not despised nor hated the affliction of the afflicted; and He has not hidden His face from him, but when he cried to Him, He heard. My praise shall be of You in the great congregation; I will pay My vows before the ones who fear Him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek Jehovah shall praise Him; your heart shall live forever. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to Jehovah; and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is Jehovah's; and He is the ruler among the nations. All the fat ones on the earth shall eat and worship; all those who go down to the dust shall bow before Him; and none can keep alive his own soul. A seed shall serve Him; it shall be spoken of Jehovah to the coming generation.
They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness to a people that shall yet be born, that He has done this." ~ Psalm 22

[lordofthesquishies]

Thank you very much for the insights. It kinda changes the concept of Lectio Divina presented in the article. In the article, it seemed to advocate reading 5 verses a day and then just thinking and dwelling on the meaning. However if you went after their meaning in such a dogged manner as you suggested, I can certainly see how it might take all day, and how it would help you grasp the meaning is obvious. I gotta admit, reading the footnotes and cross-referencing in my study Bible has really ramped up how much time one chapter can take. Nice Psalm too... The prophetic element was amazing.

Anyone else have thoughts?

[Pastor Scott]

Sorry to dig up an old thread - but it was lost under a page or so of forum games

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Here are a couple of things to think about (or questions rather)...

1. What commentaries did the early Christians have?

2. Can God speak through His Word to a baby Christian? a non-Christian?

3. What makes God's Word different than every other historical document?

4. Does the Holy Spirit help us to understand the Word?

5. Why do we get something different out of a single passage almost every time we read it?

6. Early Christians were lucky to have one copy of one letter from the apostles - what did they cross reference that with?


I believe bible study is healthy and neccesary. That is why we take it serious in our youth program (even with much grumbling at times). It is also important, however, to get past the academics of bible study at times and actually connect with God on a more personal level. Reading God's Word and prayer can be a means of this connection. While lectio divina does not replace the studying of biblical context and extra-biblical resources, it is one way of connecting with God on a personal level. I believe this is a much better practice for devotional time than the usual routine: a) read it b) check the list c) go on about your busy life... My devotional time is a time of connection with God, not a study period - I reserve that for a time later in the day A person who only reads the Bible as a textbook is also missing the full picture of what the Bible really is. (Check out Article 5 of the Wesleyan Discipline under the "Our Beliefs" section of the website. It is a lot more than a history book and can stand well on its own.)

Here are a few more questions to consider...

1. How do we communicate with God?

2. How does God communicate with us?

3. Can God speak to us through His Word without us knowing all the details?

4. Are there simple truths throughout the entire Bible that are common sense/ no brainers?

5. How much exegesis is needed to understand the feelings of comfort that reading God's Word can provide?

6. Can a man locked in a hotel room with only the clothes on his back, half a carton of pork fried rice, and a Gideon's Bible trully find God? (It is important to note that most Gideon's Bibles do not contain cross references, concordances, or commentary of any kind...)

"uuummmm..."

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This is a good discussion, I thought I would bring it back from the land of the dead [second page threads]...

[lordofthesquishies]

OK, I'll make a slight attempt to start this discussion again... honestly it confuses me almost to the point of being unable to answer.

1: I'd imagine the apostles would've been a huge help. Can you imagine talking to those who actually saw Christ?

2: I believe God can speak to anyone, even without his Word. Our God is one without limits, and I must admit, saying that silent meditation seems unproductive makes me feel like putting him in a box now that I look at it... It's hard to understand some things when you've been taught to rely on logic. But where do we draw that stupid squiggly line between paranoia and God??

3: "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will never pass away." It's the truth, the whole truth, and God's breathing inspiration for our lives. I can't explain it :\

4: Definitely. Christ gave us the Spirit in his place, so I don't think there's many times (if any) that he isn't guiding us.

5: Maybe 4... but also maybe that the circumstances in our lives have changed. It's like reading political satire when you're 7 and then again when you're 37. Where you're at makes a whole world of difference.

6: I quote: "uuummmm..."

I'll only try and approach 2 of the latter 6... my brain is fried like the half-carton of rice.

4: Of course! There's some universal moral codes that man didn't manage to quite wipe out, and they're in the Bible.

6:Definitely. God can do anything. (Is this from real life by the way? I just have to ask.)

[Pastor Scott]

I am sorry to disappoint, but the story about the hotel room is not a real account and was fabricated... although it has no doubt happened somewhere at some point I am sure

Don't ya think?

[Princess180]

If it had never happened or couldn't happen why do you think they would put the bibles in the rooms. If you want to see some stories look at the Gideon's website.

[lordofthesquishies]

I don't doubt it... Always have to pry into our pastor's personal lives though, don't we? I mean God is limitless, but once we come to a knowledge of him... What's the best way to grow? I know there's times that I've just read something and thought about it for a good long while... The story of the crucifixion can make me get a little teary sometimes. But there's other times, such as in the OT and the epistles, that I've gone through footnote after footnote, trying to grasp a better understanding of what it means. I think God kinda lets us "know" when we should sit quietly, and when we should chase.

That brings up something else though... How does this whole "knowing" thing work? I mean how do you... explain it? Or when do we become mistaken in taking our own will for God's inspiration?