PURPOSE
Lectio Divina means “divine reading.” It is a way of listening to the text of scripture more as a conversation with Jesus where he is suggesting the topic of conversation. It could be explained as “bible basking” rather than “bible study” where we meditate on scripture, converse with God openly, and live out his word. To get acquainted with this rhythm takes practice and gets easier each time we do it. Lectio Divina allows us to learn to be quiet – silence the voices of responsibility, self, family, religion – and listen to God and what he wants to say to us. You can practice Lectio Divina individually, with another person, or with a group.
LECTIO DIVINA AS A GROUP
Tips on How to Implement
- Sitting in a circle is helpful for connection
- The key to this practice is listening.
- You don’t have to be a perfectionist. Be simple, open and honest.
- Several different options on reading:
- One person reads every time
- Different people read each time
- Every time the passage is read, it is read in a different translation
- Explore different ways of this practice and find what works for you
- There are times when you practice Lectio Divina with a familiar passage or a passage from a sermon. It is imperative to put aside the voices and outlines of others and listen to God’s impression to you.
- The question we ask is – What does God want to say to you today?
- The practice of Lectio Divina helps us be present to God. There is never a time he is not present with us. He abides and dwells in us. The only person not present is me.
Resources on How To Find a Passage
- YouVersion or Bible.com’s verse of the day
- The Message: Solo: An Uncommon Devotional by Eugene Peterson
- Write the Word Journal by Lara Casey
BE FULLY PRESENT
Walking Your Group Through Preparing Your Heart and Mind
Get comfortable in your chair. Don’t jump ahead and begin to study the passage.
Relax
- Close your eyes
- Relax your shoulders
- Relaxing will help you be present to God
- Relax your jawbone and face
Breathe
- Breathe in and out with deep breaths
- God breathed life into us
- Take a deep breath in and a deep breath out
Smile
- Begin to smile!
- Scripture says give thanks in all circumstances
- It is hard not to be present with God when we smile
- Smiling Reflects the good gifts that come from him
LECTIO DIVINA
Walking Your Group Through the Practice of Lectio Divina
This is written in script form to help you lead your group through this practice.
We will read the passage as a group multiple times. Don’t guess what I’m going to say, or out read me, just listen and follow as I guide you through.
The first time I am simply going to read the passage and I want you to just listen.
Each time I read, I will read slowly. (Don’t enunciate or highlight things because we do not want to share our impressions with others.)
Let go of distracting thoughts and listen with you heart.
READ PASSAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Before you read the second time:
Ask your group to make a note or jot down anything they hear. During this second reading, Ask the Lord, what word or phrase are you highlighting for me?
READ PASSAGE FOR THE SECOND TIME, SLOWLY.
Ask your group members individually, what word or phrase was God highlighting for you? Don’t pressure it – be honest about it. (During this time, encourage your group members to NOT give an explanation. Just simply share the word or phrase of scripture.) It is okay to not have an answer.
Before you read the third time:
Ask the Lord, why that phrase or that word? In your heart and silence, you can ask the Lord why that word or phrase.
READ PASSAGE FOR THE THIRD TIME, SLOWLY.
No pressure, but ask each person what they felt God was saying.
(Remember: as you lead your group you may want to give commentary or encouragement, resist the urge to do so.)
Before you read the fourth time:
As you listen to the Lord with a listening heart, ask God, is there a response you want from me?
This is not about your three step plan to follow God’s prompting.
Lord, what is the response you want me to make?
If we listen, we can be surprised that he has something surprising for us.
Quiet your heart.
READ PASSAGE FOR THE FOURTH TIME, SLOWLY.
Ask your group members individually, no pressure, what response does God want me to make?
Before you read the fifth time:
God, is there a specific step or steps I need to take?
Yes, this is similar to the last one, but this is a specific step of application – if we don’t take it, then nothing changes.
We are simply seeking that God would transform us by his word.
Quiet your heart.
READ PASSAGE FOR THE FIFTH TIME, SLOWLY.
Ask your group members individually, no pressure, God, what is the specific step or steps you would have me take?
As you end:
- Encourage people to take action that week what they heard from God.
- Not having an answer is ok.
- Encourage group members, to reengage with the passage during the week.
Download this as a pdf.
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