This week we will learn about the practice of Lectio Divina and how to use this tool to listen to God in a very personal and specific way. Lectio Divina is a fancy way of saying we should read God’s word in a listening way. Specifically translated, it means ‘Divine Reading’ which of course means that God will be in the process. There are three main parts to this practice: read, listen, respond. It brings to mind a favorite verse: ‘Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
This is a broadcast you might want to bookmark and listen to again. It’s a practice that takes practice! Please download the instructions below, and work on it. We have found this practice to be somewhat miraculous in the way it opens up God’s Word to us.
I personally (Holly) have taught this practice of Lectio Divina on many occasions, at Bible studies, on weekend retreats and in lecture series’. I have never found it to fail anyone who has done it with me. Never. God promises us He is in His Word always, so we know that when we earnestly seek Him, he will be found. Isaiah 55:11 says “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
I heard this approach for the first time on Saturday, I’m interested in learning more about this.
Hi Evelyn,
A number of years ago, my Bible study group read about and practiced lectio divina as a group using the book Gathered in the Word by Norvene Vest. It was an amazing experience as God spoke individual messages to each of us using the same scripture passage so I was excited to hear Holly talk about this on Saturday. I just found my copy of the book and see that there is a short appendix with instructions for individual practice of lectio divina. I also see that the instructions from Saturday’s radio broadcast are on the Listening to God Worksheets which you can access on the Study With Friends homepage this week. I’d love to hear about your experience if you try the lectio divina practice. I know that God honors our efforts to draw near to Him now matter what format they take.