In college I learned an old process called Lectio Divina. I received a nice pamphlet from Linda Corbin lcorbin@juno.com which explains the process. Lectio Divina means Sacred Reading and has been practiced for centuries by those who desire a closer intimate relationship with Jesus. It is an ancient method of Scripture reading. This was practiced in the early centuries because there were very few Bibles available for the common people. It can be done in a group or alone.

The first step is: Lectio - Read a short passage of scripture two or three times out loud.

The second step is: Meditatio - Meditate or ponder on what you read. Meditation is like a cow chewing the cud. She will chew, swallow, and bring it back up later to chew on it some more.

The third step is: Oratio - Praying the scripture back to the Lord. The Bible is filled with God's promises to us. When we pray what He said, He will do it. It is His Word!

The fourth step is: Contemplatio - This is contemplating (not meditation). When you sit on a hillside and look at the reflection of a sunset on a lake you are contemplating. You are just enjoying it. Take time to contemplate on the experience you are having through what you read and learned.

Feel free to tell me about your experience. You can comment on this page, or on my Twitter page.