Scripture to pray
(see How to Practice Lectio Divina below)
Bible Verses for Lectio Divina
Love and Compassion
- 1 John 4:7-11
Read here - Matthew 22:37-40
Read here - Romans 13:8-10
Read here - Ephesians 4:32
Read here - Colossians 3:12-14
Read here
Faith and Trust
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Read here - Hebrews 11:1-3
Read here - Philippians 4:6-7
Read here - Isaiah 26:3-4
Read here - Psalm 37:5-6
Read here
Forgiveness and Grace
- Ephesians 1:7-8
Read here - Colossians 1:13-14
Read here - Matthew 6:14-15
Read here - Psalm 103:10-12
Read here - Romans 5:8-10
Read here
Peace and Comfort
- John 14:27
Read here - Psalm 23:1-4
Read here - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Read here - Isaiah 41:10
Read here - Matthew 11:28-30
Read here
Humility and Service
- Mark 10:45
Read here - Philippians 2:3-5
Read here - James 4:10
Read here - Galatians 5:13
Read here - 1 Peter 5:5-6
Read here
Joy and Gratitude
- Philippians 4:4
Read here - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Read here - Psalm 100:4-5
Read here - Nehemiah 8:10
Read here - Colossians 3:15
Read here
Strength and Courage
- Joshua 1:9
Read here - Psalm 27:1
Read here - Isaiah 40:31
Read here - 2 Timothy 1:7
Read here - Romans 8:31
Read here
Guidance and Wisdom
- James 1:5
Read here - Psalm 119:105
Read here - Proverbs 16:9
Read here - Jeremiah 29:11
Read here - Isaiah 30:21
Read here
Righteousness and Holiness
- Matthew 5:6
Read here - 1 Peter 1:15-16
Read here - Romans 12:1-2
Read here - Galatians 2:20
Read here - Hebrews 12:14
Read here
Community and Unity
- Acts 2:44-47
Read here - Ephesians 4:2-6
Read here - Romans 12:4-5
Read here - Colossians 3:13-14
Read here - Philippians 1:27
Read here
Hope and Future
- Jeremiah 29:11
Read here - Romans 15:13
Read here - Revelation 21:4
Read here - Psalm 42:11
Read here - Hebrews 6:19
Read here
Spiritual Growth
- 2 Peter 1:5-7
Read here - Philippians 1:9-11
Read here - Colossians 1:9-10
Read here - James 1:22
Read here - Hebrews 10:24-25
Read here
Worship and Praise
- Psalm 95:1-2
Read here - John 4:24
Read here - Psalm 150:6
Read here - Colossians 3:16
Read here - Ephesians 5:19-20
Read here
The Character of God
- Exodus 34:6-7
Read here - Psalm 136:1-9
Read here - Psalm 103:8-12
Read here - Numbers 23:19
Read here - Isaiah 46:9-10
Read here
The Call to Discipleship
- Matthew 28:18-20
Read here - Luke 9:23-24
Read here - John 15:16
Read here - Romans 12:2
Read here - Galatians 2:20
Read here
The Power of Prayer
- Matthew 7:7-8
Read here - James 5:16
Read here - Philippians 4:6-7
Read here - John 14:13-14
Read here - Ephesians 6:18
Read here
The Fruit of the Spirit
- Galatians 5:22-23
Read here - Romans 14:17
Read here - Colossians 1:10
Read here - Philippians 2:13
Read here - Ephesians 4:30
Read here
God’s Promise of Salvation
- John 10:28
Read here - Romans 10:9-10
Read here - Ephesians 2:8-9
Read here - Acts 16:31
Read here - Revelation 22:17
Read here
The Second Coming of Christ
- Matthew 24:30-31
Read here - Revelation 1:7
Read here - 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
Read here - Mark 13:26
Read here - Luke 21:27
Read here
Living in the Light
- Ephesians 5:8
Read here - John 12:46
Read here - Romans 13:12
Read here - Matthew 5:14
Read here - Philippians 2:15
Read here
How to Practice Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, or “divine reading,” is a sacred practice that allows you to engage deeply with Scripture through a slow and contemplative approach. Follow these steps to experience the richness of God’s word.
1. Preparation (1 Minute Being)
- Find a Quiet Space: Choose a comfortable and peaceful environment.
- Center Yourself: Take a moment to breathe deeply. Focus your mind and heart on God’s presence.
- Invite the Holy Spirit: Open your heart to the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance as you engage with Scripture.
2. Reading (Lectio)
- Select a Passage: Choose a specific scripture passage. It could be a few verses or a complete chapter.
- Read Aloud: Read the passage slowly and attentively.
- Listen for God’s Voice: As you read, wait for the Holy Spirit to highlight words or phrases that resonate with you. Allow those words to come to life in your heart.
3. Reflecting (Meditatio)
- Chew Your Food: Take time to ponder and reflect on the passage.
- Ask Questions:
- What does this passage mean?
- How does it relate to my life?
- What is God trying to communicate to me through this text?
- Write Down Insights: Consider keeping a journal to note down any thoughts, emotions, or revelations that arise during this time.
4. Responding (Oratio)
- Taste Your Food: Engage in prayer based on your reflections.
- Talk to God: Share your thoughts and feelings about what you’ve read. Speak about your struggles, hopes, or joys.
- Use Scripture in Prayer: Incorporate the highlighted words or phrases from your reading into your prayer. Ask for help in applying these truths in your life.
5. Resting (Contemplatio)
- Digest Its Sweetness: Spend time in silence, resting in God’s presence.
- Be Still: Allow the insights and emotions from your reflection and prayer to settle within you.
- Receive Peace: Trust that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in your heart as you reflect on what you have learned.
Conclusion
As you practice this, you may find you want to add another step. I often do it in the Resting stage. How does God want me to apply what He’s spoken to me today? Let me know how it goes!
Applying – Incarnatio
Live out in your daily life