Lectio Divina – a holy reading of the Bible slowly, savoring it, and enjoying it with the Lord – is the spiritual practice of sacred reading of the scriptures. The intention is not to learn or gain information but to deepen our relationship with God. St Benedict encourages us to “to listen with the ear of our hearts.”
Join me once a week for Lectio Divina. I will share a verse and a word that spoke to my heart. Read and listen to the verses here. And gently ask God for a word or phrase that speaks to your heart for that day – that is what lectio means. Once we find that gift, we hold it, meditate, and savor its meaning. This step is called meditation.
Then offer that word back to God in prayer or the third step of oratio. In prayer we allow our real selves to be touched and changed by the word of God.
Finally, we simply rest in the presence of the One who has used His word as a means of inviting us to accept His transforming embrace. No one who has ever been in love needs to be reminded that there are moments in loving relationships when words are unnecessary.
Come into the presence of the Lord.
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121: 3-4 (NIV)
Lord, you amaze me.
As I snuggled under the covers one night, drifting away into sleepy bliss, I thought: I wonder if God ever sleeps.
Then the next morning I read this verse. — he who watches over you will not slumber;
You watch over us all the time-
Never distracted by some giant to-do list
Never taking a break for cup of coffee
Never lifting your protective eyes from my life
Never thinking “I will only turn my back on her for a moment.”
Never forgetting where I am
Never losing me in the crowd of all the others you love and watch.
You watch over us all the time –
Always
Never sleeping
Always
That gives me such comfort. In trying times, knowing He is there and watching is a soul lifter. Thanks.