Episode 9: When Reading the Bible Doesn’t Feel Helpful

Do you ever spend time reading the Bible and feel like you didn’t really get anything out of it? You might read the words, but they didn’t really connect with your heart.

In today’s episode, we’ll do a practice together that will allow us to listen and receive from Scripture in a new way.

[Image by Jasmin Ne on Unsplash]

Sign up to receive a FREE printable practice guide for each episode

This Week’s Practice: Lectio Divina (or, Divine Reading)

A way of listening to Scripture to receive from God, rather than trying to figure it out.

These steps are adapted from Adele Calhoun’s Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. The passage used in this episode’s practice is Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV).

Silencio (Silence)
Close your eyes, take a couple deep breaths, and rest in God’s presence.
Lectio (Read)
Simply read or listen to the passage of scripture, slowly and without rushing.
Meditatio (Meditate)
Read or listen to the passage a second time. Notice if a word or phrase stands out or connects with you.
Oratio (Respond)
Read or listen to the passage a third time. Based on what you’ve heard or experienced, respond back in prayer to God.
Contemplatio (Contemplate)
Before you leave this time, rest in God’s presence and offer a prayer of surrender. Consider how to carry what you’ve heard or experienced into the rest of your day.

Ideas of scripture passages for this practice: