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. 

Philippians 4:4-9 TPT - "Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One! Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things."

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. 

Philippians 4:4-9 TPT - "Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One! Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things."

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? 

Philippians 4:4-9 TPT - "Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One! Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things."

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. 

Philippians 4:4-9 TPT - "Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One! Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ. So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always. Follow the example of all that we have imparted to you and the God of peace will be with you in all things."

Prayer 

Father, thank you for the peace that can only come from you! I pray that I will be so consumed by you and your presence, that I will bring every fear and anxiety to you in grateful prayer, and that I would have a complete and all-encompassing peace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!