Area Four: Contemplation or “Contemplatio”

PART FOUR, CONTEMPLATION: Our Last section is contemplation, a segment of time reserved for resting in God. The goal is to be still while letting your time of prayer continue in appreciation of God Himself. The intent is to enjoy God purely for who He is. In many styles of Lectio Divina, this completes the experience. But I remind you that this is not a rule or law, but a suggested experience – including the order.

Before you engage in the contemplative section, review the week.
Do these things to prepare for today’s devotional practice:

• Practice a period of silence
  
• Review the reading (see Tuesday)
  
• Call to mind your key word or phrase
  
• Review the images, shapes, concepts, colors, textures, memories and associations from Wednesday
  
• Review your dialogue with God over personal hopes, desires, needs, pains – and others you had come to mind (Thursday)

Now simply enjoy God for who He is and for what He has done in relation to all that arose in the week regarding your key word or phrase. Rest in Him, giving Him any anxiety, struggle or pain, thanking Him for all joys and accomplishments. Include all relationships so that none fall outside your life with God.

Enter your notes and observations into  
your computer, laptop, notebook or journal.

Ordinarily you would perform all four areas in one sitting, which you have opportunity to do tomorrow with the story of the week.

Micro-Meditation Scripture

Psalm 32:5

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
Teaching or Command of God

1 John 2:8

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…

1 John 2:9

…if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point

Notice that God forgives the sin and the guilt of the sin? Some of us could benefit from that truth – and let go of our guilt over sinful choices. What about you?

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