In the last few years I have become aware of some ancient practices that have helped followers of Christ for centuries and some have been helpful for me. One of those is called 'lectio divina' or the practice of sacred reading. The idea is simple but powerful. It breaks down like this:
Preparation - find a quiet place, take deep breaths, and relax. To help quiet your mind you might recite the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner) or simple phrases like "here I am Lord", "Speak Lord for your servant is listening" or even just "come Lord Jesus".
Read - now you read and ponder a passage of Scripture - Psalms are great for this. Listen for a word or phrase that you sense God directing your attention to.
Reflect - you now meditate and consider what this passage is saying to you? How does it connect with your story and life right now?
Respond - what can you speak back to the Lord based on what you have encountered?
Rest - coming back to square one you settle back down and rest in God's Word.
Resolve - pray and begin to live out what God's Word spoke to you.
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