20230416 Closer & Closer - What God Does For Us (incl. Lectio Divina)

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The Passage: 1 Peter 1:3-9
The One Thing: What God does for us

LECTIO DIVINA | Sacred Reading
DATE: 16 / 04 / 2023
PASSAGE: 1 Peter 1:3-9

5 STEPS
Step 1 | Ready
Step 2 | Read (Lectio)
Step 3 | Reflect (Meditatio)
Step 4 | Respond (Oratio)
Step 5 | Rest (Contemplatio)

Step 1 | Ready Breathe in and out to reach a place of internal quiet. Breath prayer: "Speak Lord | your servant is listening"
Step 2 | Read (Lectio) During this reading we’re simply asking the question “what?”. “What do you want to say to me, God?”. And as the words are being slowly read, listen for a word or a phrase that might jump out from the page. Take this as God’s word to you. Then simply write this word or phrase down. Don’t analyze it. Simply write it down.
Step 3 | Reflect (Meditatio) As the passage is read for a second time, now ask the question “why?”. We’re reflecting. Ask God why He has brought that verse or phrase to your attention. Again, you’re listening for God’s voice. Don’t force it. Don’t analyze it. Don’t overthink. Just wait on Him and allow Him to tell you why He has brought this word or phrase to your attention.
Step 4 | Respond (Oratio) This is our chance, in the quietness of our hearts to “respond”. While the passage is being read, ask the question “What now?”. What is the step of faith that God is calling you into? As you hear from God, write down what you sense He is saying to you. “God, show me what I should do with the word or phrase that you have given me”
Step 5 | Rest (Contemplatio) During this final reading allow yourself to rest. Enjoy the quiet and the stillness. You might want to occasionally simply whisper “thank you” to God for speaking to you. This period of resting can be as long as you want.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you. You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him; though not seeing him now, you believe in him, and you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9 (CSB)

For more information visit contemplative.org/contemplative-practice/lectio-divina/ or google “Lectio Divina”