Lectio Divina
Silence for 2-5 minutes:
If your mind wanders, silently pray a simple prayer again and again, such as, "I surrender to your love" or "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me" until the Holy Spirit gives you a sense of peace and focus.
Scripture:
Psalm 31:1-8
In you, O Lord, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me! Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me!
For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.
I hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord. I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.
Reading:
Psalm 31 is one of the most oft-quoted Psalms in the Bible. Portions of the Psalm are referenced by David, Jonah, Jeremiah, Stephen, Peter, and, most importantly, by Jesus. At the very last moment, before His death, Jesus found comfort in this Psalm. Through this Psalm, Jesus expresses the belief that the Father will rescue Him. The rescue came three days later when our Lord was raised from the dead.
As we pray today, may we commit our lives into the hands of our Heavenly Father, confident that He will rescue us.
The Process of Lectio Divina:
1. Prepare yourself by quieting yourself to listen to God’s Word.
2. Listen to the Word of God.
A. As the passage is read twice, listen for the word or phrase that strikes you. During the silence, repeat that phrase softly, or silently to yourself.
B. When invited, say aloud to the group this word or phrase without comment or
elaboration.
3. Ask, “How is my life touched by this word?”
A. The passage is read again. This is followed by personal meditation on how this word or phrase connects with your life.
B. When invited, state in one or two sentences the connection between the phrase and your life.
4. Ask, “Is there an invitation for me to respond to?”
A. After the passage is read a third time, ponder whether you are being
encouraged to do something in response
B. Share this response briefly with the others
C. Pray for one another to be able to respond to God’s word