Recalibrating is about slowing down and paying attention to our GPS (God’s Prevailing Spirit) to keep finding our way home. It applies to our approach to Scripture as well. Many American believers learn to study the Bible for information more than transformation. We concentrate on the facts, context, and applications. There is a much-needed place for this approach but it also exposes how some of us (me!) try to get it “right” and then check off “Quiet Time” from our (my!) daily lists. And how we (I!) like being in control, even in our (my!) encounters with the supernatural living Word of God.
How can we allow Scripture to take hold of us and transform our hearts as well as our minds?
Lectio Divina (sacred reading), an ancient discipline of the Church, offers a way to slow down and allow the Holy Spirit to lead our experience of Scripture.
Choose a shorter section of Scripture (usually a few verses) and read it several times as if you’ve never heard it before. That can be challenging, especially with familiar passages. I fear that many of us are like Charlie Brown and only hear the teacher’s “wah-wah-wah” as we “skim” over Scripture.
Read it as you would for a longed-for love letter. Hear it expecting God to speak personally to you. Listen with the question, “God what are you saying to me in these verses?” Be ready to be surprised or disturbed.
It is helpful to write your thoughts or sketch out your impressions in a journal to stay focused and remember it throughout the day. Consider reading the verses from different translations or versions of the Bible. Read the passage at least three times. Here are some simple steps:
Prepare: Pause before reading. Close your eyes. Be still and silent. Breathe deeply. Pray for God’s Spirit to be with you.
Read: Listen for the word or phrase that resonates for you or seems to jump out. Read aloud to actually “hear” the words. Let yourself be surprised if it is not a word or phrase you expected. Write down these words before moving to the next reading.
Reflect: Read the passage again slowly. How is my life touched by this word? Where am I in this story? Use all your five senses and imagination. Write down your thoughts or sketch out your impressions.
Respond/Rest: Read the passage again and ask God to let you hear it afresh. Is there an invitation to respond in some way? If you have time, read the passage again. During this reading, release your concerns and rest in God.
Resolve: How will you live out the Word of God you have just received? Is there an image or picture from this Scripture that will help you remember it throughout the day?
Don’t be frustrated if you don’t “feel” like you’ve gotten anything. It’s not a formula or system to work, but a different way of engaging in Scripture. Return to “Rest,” knowing that the Word of God is powerful, trusting and asking God to embed it in your soul, and make it personal to you over the weeks and months.
Lectio divina is a powerful small-group practice as well. Allow time at the conclusion for discussion on what most impressed them or what God stirred in them. It’s fascinating how differently people can receive the same passage of Scripture.
There are many excellent books on lectio divina and other transformative practices involving Scripture. I recommend Ruth Haley Barton’s Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation, Robert Mulholland’s Shaped by the Word, Marjorie Thompson’s Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life, and Eugene Peterson’s Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading.