TUESDAY
Today we are going to practice an ancient way of reading Scripture called the lectio divina (Latin for the divine reading). I’ve come across various ways of doing this, but the key is to read the passage—not study every detail—but to ruminate on the text and allow it to form us.
Before you begin reading, pray for the Spirit to open your eyes to see what he wants you to see in this passage.
We will read through the passage three times.
- The first time through, look for a word or phrase or concept that jumps out at you.
- The second time through, focus in on that concept. Ponder what it means and what it means to you.
- The third time through, consider how it changes you. Does it challenge you to think differently? Does it challenge you to act differently? Does it encourage you? Then pray for the Spirit to cement these words in your heart and life.
- Spend a few moments sitting in reflection, contemplating what God has said through his Word.
Psalm 63:1–8 1 You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. 6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
You can also find this practice on our Daily Bible Reading, spiritual practice page from MyLifeBridge.
Daily Bible Reading