Scripture Reading and Meditation

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV); Psalm 119:105 (NIV); 2 Timothy 3:17 (NIV)

The problem is that the digital age is changing our aptitude and appetite for…deliberate and concentrated reading. The more we read in abbreviated forms, the more we long for that sort of reading and the less we are able to read slowly.”
– Jay Kim, Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age

Matthew 7:24–25 (NIV); James 1:21–25 (NIV)

Today’s Core Truth: To know His Will is by knowing His Word.

This Week’s Spiritual Practice: LECTIO DIVINA (Lectio Divina means “Diving Reading”)

⇒ FIRST READING: – What am I thinking about?
⇒ SECOND READING: – What am I feeling?
⇒ THIRD READING: – What is God inviting me into?

Psalms 1:1-3 (NIV 84); John 1:1 (NIV)

The word for “word”: Logos = living, breathing, continuing speaking

John 1:4 (NIV); John 1:14 (NIV)

Question: Are you missing the Master and His Masterpiece?

Theme: Diving Reading

Reflect Together:

What impacted you the most from last Sunday’s Message?

Share Together:

What is your favorite place and space where you spend time with Jesus?

Group Activity: LECTIO DIVINA

Purpose: Lectio Divina is an ancient spiritual practice focused on prayerfully engaging the biblical text and encountering Jesus, the Living Word, through it. The term is derived from Latin words meaning reading (Lectio) and divine (divine). This is simply a tool to be in relationship with the Lord through His Word. 

Instructions: Read a Bible passage and reflect three times. Suggested Reading: Psalms 1:1-3 or pick any passage you like. 

First Reading: Head – What am I thinking about? 

Slowly read the passage of Scripture that you have selected. As you do so, pay attention to any word, phrase, or idea that catches your attention. Then ask if there is a moment, keyword, phrase, or idea that sparked an interest to explore? 

Second Reading: Heart – What am feeling? 

Read the passage again, slowly, and then pause to sit with the word, phrase, or idea that captured your attention. What thoughts come to mind as you meditate on the word, phrase, or idea? What are you reminded of in your life? What does it make you hope for? What might God be inviting you into through that word, phrase, or idea? 

Third Reading: Hands – What is God inviting me into? 

Read the passage once more. Listen for how God might be using the word, phrase, or idea to bless and transform you. Share with others what is God speaking to you personally to act or as a community?

Discuss Together:

Overall, how do you see the practice of Lectio Divina will be helpful for you in your development as a Christ follower?

Pray Together:

Tell God what you have been thinking and feeling as you’ve listened and meditated. As well as share how He has answered prayer and life requests to Him.