Friday, February 8, 2008

7: Divine Reading Colossians 3:1-4

I: FIND A QUIET PLACE
Find a quiet place that is free from interruptions. Adjust to a comfortable position and quiet yourself before God. Take a slow, deep breath, and then slowly and deliberately release the breath. God says in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God." Again, take a slow, deep breath, and then slowly and deliberately release the breath.

II: FOCUSING PRAYER
Take a slow, deep breath before each sentence of the prayer, and slowly and deliberately release the breath while praying:

"Lord, I accept every blessing that you give me.
"Lord, I invite your Holy Spirit to fill me.
"Lord, I give all of my troubles to you."
Repeat the prayer if needed.

III: READING OR RECITING (LECTIO)
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)
Repeat the reading if needed.

IV: REFLECTIVE MEDITATION (MEDITATIO)
Reflect on a special word or phrase that caught your attention from the reading. Deliberately think about the word or phrase. Let the word or phrase mingle with your thoughts, feelings, experiences, hurts, and aspirations.

V: RESPONDING TO GOD (ORATIO)
Respond to God. Thank God for something, or make a godly declaration, or pray for a need of yours, or pray for a need of others.

VI: RESTING IN GOD'S PRESENCE (CONTEMPLATIO)
Surrender all thoughts and feelings to God while resting and basking in God's love. Let God transform you according to his will.

VII: OPTIONS AFTER DIVINE READING
After resting in God's love, say, "Lord, thank you for your love and your work in my life."

If devotionals must end, then go on to other activities. Or you may do additional devotionals such praising God, singing to God, praying for your needs, praying for the needs of others, general Scripture study, or more divine reading.



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I compiled this approach to divine reading by recalling methods from various prayer meetings and studying the basics of divine reading that is readily available on the internet.

Updated 6/5/11

Copyright © 2008, 2011 by James Edward Goetz

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