Spiritual discipline of divine reading
In the last three issues of Tidings magazine, we have explored the importance and giftedness of spiritual disciplines in our Christian lives. If you have not had a chance to read what has come before, I invite you to read them at the links shown at the end of this story.
When we integrate spiritual disciplines into our daily lives, they create space for retreat “to the mountainside,” (Matthew 14:23) even for just a moment, to connect with the Father and the Son through the power of the Holy Spirit. Solitude, silence and breath prayer are the formation exercises which we have explored so far, and all evoke a sense of accessibility to a few quiet moments even during a busy day. These quiet moments bring us into the secret place where we glorify God, are transformed into his likeness, and cultivate friendship with Christ.
Another spiritual discipline I would like to invite you to explore is Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina, literally meaning “divine reading,” is a way to read and reflect on scripture that engages both the head and the heart.
Gregory the Great (6th c.) summarizes this
kind of contemplation on scripture as “resting in God.”
It invites us to read and listen to the texts of scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ and He was suggesting the topics of conversation. It is described as the most traditional way of cultivating friendship with Christ. It flows out of a Hebrew method of studying the Scriptures which was an interactive interpretation of the Scriptures to explore its inner meaning. It was part of the devotional practice of the Jews in the days of Jesus and was a regular monastic practice by the 6th century.
In reading and listening to Holy Scripture in the manner of Lectio Divina, we come with the desire to deepen our relationship with God. Lectio Divina allows us to hear from the Holy Spirit and be transformed. It allows us to experience intimate relationship with God.
As you move through this practice, let the Holy Spirit take the lead, and know that there are no “shoulds, oughts or musts,” but rather an opportunity to receive from the most high God.
1. Prepare:
Ask the Holy Spirit to come and sit in silence for at least one minute.
2. Reading (Lectio):
Read a Scripture passage listening with the “ear of your heart.” What word or phrase captures your attention? Repeat it gently.
3. Reflecting (Meditatio):
Reflect on and relish the words. Be attentive to what speaks to your heart.
4. Responding (Oratio):
As listening deepens, allow responses to arise spontaneously including praise, thanksgiving, questions and petitions. This could be a time of silent reflection, journaling or artistic creation.
5. Resting in (Contemplatio):
Finally, the doing of this exercise is finished. Now, simply “be with” God’s presence as you open your heart and mind to deeper meanings of the Word of God for you.
I pray this exercise might become a discipline within your life and faith journey. I encourage you to remember that neither Lectio Divina nor any of our Spiritual Disciplines are ends in themselves or something to tick off our to-do list, but rather a way to joyfully commune with and deepen your relationship with the Holy God.
Visit our website to read more about spiritual discipline online:
FirstChurchTulsa.org/Practice
FirstChurchTulsa.org/Silence
FirstChurchTulsa.org/Breath
FirstChurchTulsa.org/Children