Yesterday, my class and I discussed studying the Bible for all its worth. We all agreed that too often our study of the Bible is cursory, routine, and mundane. It's so easy to get into scheduled habits when it comes to the Scripture. Over the years, I have read a whole lot of Scripture. Many times, though, it's felt like it has gone in one ear and out the other. I've read for completion or for an academic understanding, often missing out on the richness and personal application that the Living Book offers me. Lectio divina (sacred reading), an ancient approach to the Scriptures, offers a method of experiencing the Bible that helps us go beyond surface readings and connect with the One.
Initiated sometime in the 4th Century, possibly by Pope Gregory I and Saint Benedict, lectio divina is a spiritually holistic approach to spending time in God's Word. Going beyond simply reading and thinking, lectio divina is a prayerful communion with the Holy Spirit. The early Benedictine monks put great emphasis on lectio divina, aligning it with their duties of prayer and service. While this sacred ritual has roots in the Cathloic tradition, the steps involved in the process are appropriate for Christians of all doctrinal flavors.
First, choose a small passage of Scripture to explore (lectio). The Scripture can range from one verse to a significantly longer passage. Ultimately the length does not matter as the pursuit of lectio divina is for God to illuminate phrases and concepts in the passage that resonate with the your spirit. (Just to be clear, this is not a post-modern, emergent approach to interpreting Scripture. Orthodox interpretation is still foundational. It is simply a focus on what stands out in a verse in that reading.) Slowly read the Scripture out loud, letting each word resound in your ears. The words should not just be heard, but felt. Read and re-read the passage, reciting phrases multiple times if something particular stands out. What is the Holy Spirit specifically saying to me today?
Second, begin to meditate over the phrase or idea that the Holy Spirit has highlighted (meditatio). (Note that Christian meditation is far different than Eastern meditation. Eastern meditation puts focus on emptying your mind, while Christian meditation is a process of allowing God to fill your mind with truth.) Ponder the meaning of the words, and allow them to mingle with your thoughts, fears, experiences, etc. How do all of these things become more deeply informed by what the Lord has brought to mind?
Third, talk to the Lord about what you are thinking, feeling, and experiencing through this particular passage (oratio). Our Lord desires intimacy with us and wants us to pour out our thoughts and emotions to Him. (We can't lose sight of this miraculous truth---the Creator of all things actually cares about US...incomprehensible!) Pray the Scriptures you are reading back to God, claiming His promises, thanking Him for His love, asking Him to explain any confusion you might be experiencing.
Fourth, be still and silent and rest in God's presence (meditatio). This step is probably the most difficult for us as we live in a society that devalues rest and puts a premium on efficiency. Remind yourself that prayer is a conversation and we must allow God to speak back to us. This is certainly opposed to the typical prayer monologue that most of us have every day. Let the "still small voice of God" speak to you and rest in Him.
Lectio divina is not mystical or more spiritual than other ways of studying the Bible. It does, however, force us to slow down. We need that. The rest of life is fast enough, let's let our time with God be sacred moments that we refuse to rush. We should savor our study time, not just look to complete it.
God, time belongs to You...let us approach life, and our sacred study, with that truth in mind.
Sage advice Derek, thanks.
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