Advent 2023—Lectio Divina part 8

This Advent I am going to look at the practice of Lectio Divina, mostly because it is my favourite form of prayer and meditation. Lectio Divina means “Divine Reading” in Latin. It is a systematic way of reading the Bible dating back to the early centuries of the Christian church.

Lectio Divina has four parts:

1. Reading: Read the passage slowly and carefully.
2. Meditation: Think deeply about the text.
3. Prayer: Have a loving conversation with God.
4. Contemplation: Rest in God’s presence.

Another way of looking at it is as five Rs. Yes five.

1. Read slowly and notice when a word, image or verse hits you.
2. Ruminate. Where does the word, image or verse fake you?
3. Respond. What do you want to say to God?
   Please, Thank you, Help, Why?
4. Rest. Know that God looks on you with love.
5. Review. Make a note of anything that seemed significant.

So here’s the deal: when it comes to taking action, you can’t just sit around and think, “What if God wants me to do something?” You’ve got to make a move! Of course, the assumption here is that it’s God who’s speaking to you, not just your own thoughts or something more sinister. To be sure, it’s always a good idea to double-check with someone you trust. But let me give you a couple of pointers: first, the Holy Spirit won’t say anything that goes against the scripture she inspired. And second, when it comes to personal guidance, your church leaders are the ones to consult if you can trust them. Before making any major decisions, it’s wise to run it by them. Oh, and one more thing: don’t use Lectio Divina as an excuse to skip studying the Bible. It’s not a replacement for diving into the cultural context and meaning of the words. So, go ahead and listen to God, consult others, and keep studying His Word!

When you’ve heard something negative from God, it’s super important to take it seriously. Maybe there’s something you need to spill the beans about to God? Or perhaps you owe someone an apology? Just remember, God is all about love, He still wants to help you get back on track, not push you away. And if you’re not sure about what you’ve heard, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Ask God. Ask a wise Christian friend you trust. They’ll have your back like God has.