Overview

Thursdays at 8:00 am we meet as a group to quietly listen for God's voice speaking to us in the Bible. This is a form of an ancient practice called Lectio Divina ("Divine Reading") which followers of Christ have used through the ages to listen for God's word to us.

We will spend 45 minutes listening to a selected scripture passage read three times, each time listening more carefully and quietly. It is very simple and requires no study ahead of time.

This is not a "Bible study" in that we will not analyze and scrutinize the text. We will listen quietly to receive the word rather than analyze it. We have other opportunities for study and analysis of the text (e.g. Sermon Lab on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm), but this Lectio group is not a "study." This is an intentional time of focused attentiveness and rest before God so that we might be quiet enough to hear God speak to us.

What Participants are Saying:

"Lectio Divina provides a calm and tranquil moment of peace and serenity to help to still the mind and focus on God, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the metropolis called Tokyo."
— Richard Ascough

"Thank you so much for having the Lectio Divina session.It was very relaxing for me and as I mentioned, the last invitation to me [during the session] was: I saw Jesus smiling at me from a path, he waved His hand and asked me to come over and walk with Him, I happily followed walking next to Him but no conversation. After we finished the class, I went back to sleep because it was our public holiday (Malaysia day), after all it was only 8:15 am in Malaysia. Guess what Pastor Steve, I had a peaceful sleep, I slept so well that I woke up after 12pm (1pm JST), I have not been sleeping so well in the past few months. Wonderful experience. The way you conduct it is very nice, you speak slowly and soothing and the "momentum" is just nice.. (^__^). Thanks again and you have a blessed and wonderful Friday ahead. Take good care and stay safe."
— Nee (in Malaysia)

"Thank you so much for the beautiful time with you and with other participants. It was a marvelous experience I had never had before in my life. The words were popping out from my mouth which came directly from my heart. I just loved it ! Thank you again." ... "So much looking forward to the second experience."
— Michiko Sunamura

Thank you very much for leading us through Lectio Divina sessions. I have been enjoying this blessed prayer experience, and an opportunity to “listen” to the Word of God prayerfully and expanding my imagination in a peaceful atmosphere.

Upon joining the session, I asked God to help me open my heart and stay focused on the scripture of the day. After the session, I was so grateful that the scriptures walked with me not only during my quiet time but also while doing housework -- anytime anywhere. It is like Basso Continuo played in Baroque music.

Lectio Divina is indeed an amazing gift of path, which I would like to follow, trusting that I draw closer to the Lord. It would be wonderful if we could share this gift of prayer/meditative path with a greater number of family members of our community.

— Maya Tatsuno