Today’s Verse Zephaniah 3:16-17
Jerusalem will be told: “Don’t be afraid. Dear Zion, don’t despair. Your God is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.
Lectio Divina, that is what we are looking at today. I really like the way that Wikipedia defines i: “Lectio Divina (Latin for "Divine Reading") is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living word.” I love the final phrase. “the living word” That is truly what the Bible is for us.
There are different ways practice Lectio Divina. I guess the best way to guide you is to say, let the Spirit guide you. As an example, I will share with you how I like to practice Lectio Divina. I sit in a favorite quiet spot. I take a few deep full breaths of air and fully let them out. I close my eyes and ask God to join me. I ask for discernment and guidance too!
Sometimes I have a verse pre-selected sometimes I just open the Bible and see what lays in front of me. Then I slowly read the words. I read them again and then again. I let them roll around in my brain. I choose words that stand out or connect with me, and focus on them. Sometimes I write down the words, feelings, and impressions that come to me, sometimes I just let everything mull around in my mind and heart. I just relax and absorb the words. When I feel that I am done, I lift all of it up in prayer.
I encourage you to try this with the verse that I have shared with you today. Spend some time with God and His living words for our lives. I would love to hear how the words have touched you.
Peace.