Word – The Word of God is an incredibly powerful concept. In Genesis we see that the creative process was started with words, God said it and that made it so. The scriptures themselves are part of this creative power, not just words on a page but the power to change hearts, minds and lives. Then there is the Word himself, Jesus. He is the human embodiment of the creative Word of God. He is God.

If we give time and space and allow God’s Word to work in our lives we will see changes – God’s Word as creation, God’s Word as scripture and God’s Word as Jesus.

Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)

Lectio Divina is a way of prayerfully and creatively reading scripture. It dates back to Medieval times and is most associated with Benedictine monks.

The idea is not only to read scripture but to absorb it, work through it and most importantly to let it transform us.

You may want to use candles or music or other things to create a peaceful atmosphere but remember these things are just tools to help us to commune with God.

There are no set rules for Lectio Divina and it can take as much or as little time as you want but there are generally 4 stages.

Lectio (Reading) Read your chosen passage several times. You may want to read it out loud or quietly to yourself. You may want to emphasise different words or phrases.

Meditatio (Meditation) Think about the passage. What stands out? What is it saying to you? How does it make you feel? This should be a time of quiet reflection.

Oratio (Speaking) This is the prayer part. You may want to ask God questions about the passage or about what he wants to teach you through this passage. You may want to do this out loud especially if you are in a group.

Contemplatio (Contemplation) Here you may want to sit quietly in God’s presence and soak up what he has been saying or express it creatively. You may wish to write, paint, draw, use clay or some other creative response

This whole exercise is meant to release you to enjoy the presence of God and to give him time to speak with you. Don’t try to force it or become legalistic about it. Give yourself time and space with God.

Read – use one of the following passages in the style of Lectio Divina.

Genesis 1:1-3

The Beginning

 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

John 1:1-2 and 14

The Word Became Flesh

 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.

14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Matthew 4:3-4 (taken from Deut 8:3)

Jesus is tempted

3The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread."

 4Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Word of God

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Psalm 119:105

Light

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
       and a light for my path.