Hey Church!

There is an ancient practice called lectio divina that has become one of our favorite ways to read the Bible here at Rio. Our personal worship, for example, is now an adaptation of the lectio process. It is called a “divine reading” because the process emphasizes God’s voice over our own. With three cycles of reading, meditation, and prayer, we read Scripture not merely to know more about God, but to know God more. 

In lectio, we begin by acknowledging the Lord’s presence and inviting Him to speak. Then we simply still our minds and listen. We read the passage of scripture, listening intently for any word or idea that stands out to us. Centuries of Christians can attest to the fact that oftentimes this is how God gets our attention with something He means to tell us. And so, we pay attention to what He may be saying.

After meditating on that word/idea, we ask God to show us, “Why did that word/idea strike me?” “What are you saying to me?” “How does that touch/relate to my life right now?” Again, we slow down and listen for His answer, asking Him to direct our thoughts. Reading the passage a third and final time, we ask, “God, what is your invitation to me (through this word/idea) today?” Again, we listen intently. God has arrested your attention, spoken into your life, and now invites you to move forward with Him.

Our worship on Sundays, likewise, is a two-way conversation with God. It is our cultus divina, or “divine worship” in which we are dependent upon His voice. The call to worship, sermon, and benediction are like our three readings. Our songs, then, are a time for us to meditate on and respond to what He has spoken. We offer sung prayers of thanksgiving and continued desire to know Him more fully. In the same way that lectio requires an expectant heart, we come to worship with full faith that He will provide for our deepest needs when we truly humble ourselves and listen.

Consider how you might prepare your heart to listen well this Sunday!