Living Changed: Lectio DivinaSample

Take a couple moments to allow yourself time to settle into this moment and become fully present. 

1. Lectio (Read) | 2. Meditatio (Reflect) | 3. Oratio (Respond) | 4. Contemplatio (Rest)

Practice the Lectio Divina:

Read (Lectio)

Begin by reading this scripture. Listen for a word or phrase that feels significant right now, it may be capturing your attention even if you don’t know why. Gently repeat this word or phrase to yourself a couple of times. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV - "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Reflect (Meditatio)

Read the scripture again. Allow the word or phrase, that caught your attention earlier, to spark your imagination. Savor the word or phrase with all of your senses. Notice what smells, sounds, tastes, sights, and feelings are evoked. Listen for what images, feelings, and memories are stirring, welcome them in. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV - "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Respond (Oratio) 

Read the scripture again. Considering the same word or phrase, what has it evoked in your senses and imagination? What is God calling you to do? 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV - "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Rest (Contemplatio) 

Read the scripture once more. Allow your heart to fill with gratitude for God’s presence. Slow your thoughts and sink into the stillness. Rest in the presence of God, and allow yourself to simply be. 

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NIV - "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Prayer 

Father, thank you for giving me all I need to live in this world! I pray that any stronghold in my life would be completely demolished! I pray that I would take captive all thoughts that are not from you so that I may live truly free!