Devotional Spirituality: part 5

The Practice of Sacred Reading.  This is sometimes called “Lectio Divina” and seems to be controversial in some parts of the body of Christ, though I can’t figure out why?  It is simply reading the Word, praying as you read and asking the Holy Spirit to teach.  Is that not what is suppose to happen when we read God’s Word?

Reading (Lectio)

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scripture! to be written for our learning: Grant that we ma) in such wise hear them, read, marke, learne, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 1928 Book of Common Prayer, The second Sunday in Advent

For reading the Word, here’s a couple of good ideas that will aid you as you read.

Choose a regular/ special place

Choose a regular/ special time
Be consistent
Body posture can be important
Be systematic (read the whole Bible in some order)
Avoid distractions
Keep the passage brief
Begin with prayer
Slowly read the text again and again
Meditate on the text
Listen to God with humility
Ask God to shape you with His Word
Maybe use a note-free Bible

Meditation (Meditatio)

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2

Here’s a couple ideas as you learn and practice meditating on God’s Word.

God’s love teaches us to love Him
Acknowledge the holiness of God
Meditation is a process that builds

"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16

Allow enough time
Meditation is chewing on God’s Word (ruminating)
Don’t force it and be patient
When God speaks, reflect, perhaps write it down
Personalize the text in your prayer
Ask God for a sanctified imagination (we have been damaged by the many ideas and images of the world)
“Pray as you can, not as you can’t”
Meditation on the Psalms (regular diet)
Meditation should address the mind, the emotions and the will
Distractions will come, learn to take ALL captive to Christ

and Prayer (Oratio), some final thoughts as you Read, Meditate and Pray God’s Word.

Allow enough time to Pray

Avoid “rut” routines
Pray the Scriptures
Prayer is the time for the heart to respond
Prayer can take numerous forms (confession, adoration, worship, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation and thanksgiving)
When God speaks to you take time to pray and obey (if necessary)
See this time as moving away from the flesh to Christ
Prayer leads to contemplation