Disciples Treasure Right Things
This week's immersion diverges from the normal routine to focus on a type of meditation and prayer using God’s Word. Use your computer, tablet, notebook or a journal to write reflections each day.
Learning about LECTIO DIVINA or
“Divine Reading”
Lectio Divina (“divine reading”) is a form of praying that uses Scripture to study, ponder, listen and pray. The desired outcome is a deeper knowledge of scripture, yourself, others and God.
You’ll need to set time aside for a slow savoring of the word. If it helps you to be attentive and relaxed -- a candle, cross, or dimmed room can lend focus to your mind.
Many people have found “breath prayers” very helpful to this end. Breath prayers are very simple and usually very short phrases to coincide with your breathing: Inhale with one phrase, exhale with a second (not necessarily aloud); repeat in order to settle the mind and relax: Here is an example to practice with for today, called “The Jesus Prayer”:
Lord Jesus (while inhaling)
have mercy (while exhaling)
There are four areas to engage in. While they have a general pattern, no order is required; move freely between them and trust that God’s Spirit will guide you.
- Reading
- Meditation
- Prayer
- Contemplation
Each of these will be explained later this week.
While we will dig into the full reading tomorrow, let your meditation for the week start with this phrase from Matthew 6:21:
Matthew 6:21
where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Enter your notes and observations into
your computer, laptop, notebook or journal.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me treasure You and Your Word in my heart, to treasure Your ways as described in that Word, and to treasure Your Spirit who helps me draw close to You and the Father. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 32:1-5
1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
Some people like to list blessings such as family, friends, jobs, homes, etc. Take a moment to list the blessings God gives you based on Psalm 32:1-5.