Infinitum Lent JourneySample

Today we will continue to consider Mission & Me in the context of Lent.

We will spend our time engaging in ‘divine reading’ (Lectio Divina). This is our Infinitum take on the old discipline of ‘divine reading.’ Remember, we are gazing through the lens of Mission & Me.

First Movement: Peruse. Peruse means’ read (something), typically in a thorough or careful way.’ Before you start, ask the Lord to open the eyes of your heart for this exercise and then read slowly, curiously, and aggressively.

John 19 (TLB):

“38 Afterwards Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jewish leaders, boldly asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus’ body down; and Pilate told him to go ahead. So he came and took it away. 39 Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night, came too, bringing a hundred pounds of embalming ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Together they wrapped Jesus’ body in a long linen cloth saturated with the spices, as is the Jewish custom of burial. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a grove of trees, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because of the need for haste before the Sabbath, and because the tomb was close at hand, they laid him there.”

Second Movement: Weigh. Here are contextual synonyms: consider · contemplate · think about · give thought to · entertain the idea of · deliberate about · turn over in one’s mind · mull over · reflect on · ruminate about · muse on · assess · appraise. Don’t rush this movement.

Third Movement: Ask. Ask God to confirm or clarify bits you’ve been chewing on and to enlighten you on things you missed that he has for you. In this movement, you might profitably ask about lessons and tips God has from this reading for you in the realm of surrender, generosity, and mission.

Fourth Movement: Muse. Muse—‘be absorbed in thought… gaze thoughtfully at’—is a verb synonym of the Latin word ‘contempatio.’ From Google, “The word contemplation is derived from the Latin word ‘contemplatio,’ ultimately from the Latin word ‘templum,’ a piece of ground consecrated for the taking of auspices, or a building for worship.” So, in a sense, we are to recognize that we are on holy ground in this exercise (note further that ‘auspices’ means ’a divine or prophetic token’).

Fifth Movement: Activate. Apply what you have picked up (this might take the rest of the day… or the rest of your life).