“For these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10
This past Sunday, Elder Sandra Pierce introduced to us, during her message, the Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is latin for “Divine Reading.” This is a Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, mediation and prayer for the purpose of increasing communion with God and knowledge with God’s Word. This practice treats God’s Word not only as a text to be studied, but as the Living Word of God.
The roots of this practice originated in the 3rd Century with Origen. Later, St. Ambrose taught them to St. Augustine. Then the monastic practice of Lectio Divina was formally established in the 6th Century by St. Benedict and the four step process, currently used today, was set in the 12th Century by the Carthusain Monk Guigo II. Origen believed and taught that God’s Word, “Logos” was incarnate in Scripture and could teach, even touch the reader or hearer. He believed the Word of God provided wisdom and by mediation this wisdom could be conveyed to the reader. This practice was likened to feasting on the Word, taking a bite, chewing on it, savoring it, and finally digesting it as part of the body. Other Monks from the 6th to the 12th Centuries used this practice in reading Scriptures and in the 12th Century Guigo II called this a four step ladder of prayer. These steps are as follows:
The steps for Lectio Divina:
Lectio “read” – read the verse slowly and reflectively allowing the meaning of the words to sink deeply into your mind
Mediatio “meditate”– reflect on the passage allowing thoughts and images to come as you consider what God is telling you
Oratio “pray” – response; allow your thoughts to become a prayer to God concerning the message you are hearing in the scripture
Contemplatio “contemplate”– relax in the presence of God. Let your thoughts rest and picture yourself with Jesus in an embrace as a child embraces his father
“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:2
“…I meditate on You in the night watches…” Psalm 63:6b
“O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” Psalm 119:97
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
“Let the words o my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Lectio Divina may not be for you, but try it few times, give it a chance, and see how the Holy Spirit may speak to you through His Word.
Here is my council, whether it is use of this ancient practice of meditation and prayer or some other method you may use, please, please feast on the Word of God!!! It is so important of us to do this and God will speak to us through His Word giving us instruction, wisdom, guidance and yes, even peace. Praise God!
Blessings my friends,
Pastor Marty.
