The Mill Church

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Lectio Divina - Luke 2

Adam Schnaare

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Lectio Divina - Luke 2 Adam Schnaare

In this session:

You will need:

  • The Scriptures
  • A place to compose notes (paper/device)
  • About 20 minutes
  • Candle (optional)

You will be experiencing:

  • Silence
  • Lectio divina
  • Prayer

Are you ready?

Prepare

We begin by acknowledging that the Holy Spirit is here, with us praying to Father on our behalf, and guiding us as we seek God (light a candle if available).

  • Close your eyes and take a deep breath
  • As we sit in silence together, begin to focus on God.
  • Begin to let go of all the things you're worrying about
  • Let go of all the things that might make you think that God doesn't want you to come to Him, and intend to meet with Him.

Let’s open our eyes.

Lectio Divina

Today we are going to learn one way to focus on scripture. Throughout the ages it has been known in the latin as "Lectio Divina", or "divine reading". Esssentially this is just listening to God's word as if He has something to say to you.

Here we are doing it together, but you can do this on your own as well.

We will listen to a reading of the scripture two times, each time listening for something specific that sticks out to you. Then we will be writing our own simple and honest prayer to God about that word or phrase.

The Scripture

Luke 2:8-12 (NIV)

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

If in solitude:

  1. Listen for a verse or sentance.
  2. When you hear that sentence again, listen for a word or phrase.
  3. Write down that word or phrase
  4. Craft a brief and honest prayer to God about that word or phrase (write it down if you prefer)
  5. Pray it SLOWLY, believing that He hears it.

If in a group:

  1. Listen for a verse or sentance.
  2. When you hear that sentence again, listen for a word or phrase.
  3. Write down that word or phrase
  4. Share it with your partner
  5. Write a brief and honest prayer to God for your partner about your their word or phrase.
  6. Take turns and pray your prayers over each other SLOWLY, believing that He hears it.
  7. Give your prayer to your partner to keep.

The Declaration

Declare the following out-loud

Lord, thank You for Your Word. We trust that You speak to us. Amen!

The Challenge

Each day this week do one of the following:

  1. Read the prayer that was prayed for you
  2. Pray for your partner
  3. Practice listening to the scripture again in this same way
  4. Practice listening to a new scripture in this same way

Scriptures to consider using:

Consider briefly journaling or posting about your experiences.

Special Attribution: