Last week I mentioned Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase meaning "Holy reading," and received questions about what it is and how to participate. One of the most memorable assignments in my undergraduate studies was a Lectio Divina exercise for my Christian Character Formation class. Lectio is not a quick Bible reading exercise; it is an intentional and prayerful meditation.
Meditation was something I avoided because I associated it with New Age spirituality or practices like crystals and yoga. I had been taught that it was a gateway to opening yourself to demonic forces and should be avoided. I misunderstood the teachings. New Age, crystals, and yoga are gateways, not meditation. Do not misunderstand. I prayerfully studied and read the Bible. I studied commentaries and used Strong's Concordance to find the meaning behind Greek and Hebrew words and phrases. But I had never really meditated on the Word.
How I meditated for that class might not be how you meditate, but the principle is the same. First, I chose a specific passage before I began, Psalm 25 (my favorite). I had read, studied, and memorized parts of this Psalm for years and wanted to focus on an old friend for this assignment. Next, the most considerable challenge I had was finding a place where I could be alone, undisturbed, and comfortable. Even though I live alone, distractions abound at my house. I have several pets, and breaking up disagreements or having a cat in my lap is a constant reality. The day I chose to practice this technique was raining, so my favorite hiking location was also out of the question. One of my friends lives in a very isolated area, and she was out of town. I drove to her house and sat in her driveway, listening to the raindrops play a soothing melody on the roof of my car. I had my Bible, a notebook, and several pens with me so I could take notes and not worry about running out of ink.
I began with prayer; all meditation and study of God's Word should start with prayer. I read the Psalm several times, silently, aloud, prayerfully, joyfully, and beggingly. Sometimes I read the whole passage; other times, only a couple of verses at a time. In between readings, I sat quietly, contemplating what I had read, and allowed the Holy Spirit to work. I wrote in my notes what the Lord laid on my heart as to what the passage meant.
As I listened to God speak, I realized I did not know what Lovingkindness meant, so I wrote that down to study more at home. Once home, I learned that in the King James Version of the Bible, the word is translated mercy; “…according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness sake, O Lord (Ps. 25:7b KJV). According to Strong’s Concordance (1890 edition), it is more than kindness, more than love; it is the kindness and love only shown by God. Mercy indeed! When meditating, be sure to use your tools and use them in your in-depth study later. Meditation is not the time to distract yourself with study!
Finally, Thank Him for teaching you what He would have you learn from the time you spent together. Before starting this exercise, I did not realize that I was having an issue with trusting the only One who is Trustworthy. When I heard God repeat it several times, I knew the Spirit was trying to teach me that life does not require my manipulation and He does not need my help. It is all about trusting God.
Sometimes it is difficult to see the goodness of God when it seems the world has gone crazy. I learned God is always in control. He alone is trustworthy. Over and over again, He said, “Trust Me.” At times Christians try to help Him. We know He is faithful, but we think maybe we should do something as well. “No, my child, Trust Me.” Yes, God, but what if – “Trust Me!” I could almost hear Him shouting to break through my need for control. Phrases like but and what if are doubt and mistrust. It is easy to say He is trustworthy; it is more difficult to walk in faithful knowledge.
Lord Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word. Thank You for allowing
us to know You through Your word.
I praise You for Your lovingkindness, Your mercy, and Your grace.
Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the
God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.
In Jesus Holy Name and in Christ alone
Amen
Well said, Daughter!
ReplyDeleteMore and more, I'm realizing that my growth in knowledge of the Lord's will for my life depends on my being being willing to constantly be open to His communicating with me. The correct interpretation of that communication should be Bible-based of course, but can come via any of our senses.