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Reflections from Pastor Jennifer
A beautiful thing that the rabbis would do in their teaching of students was to ask, "How do you read it?" These gifted, learned teachers of the Old Testament would invite their students to voice their own interpretations of the Word. There are parts of God's Word which are absolutely (literally) set in stone - no space for debate! Yet, we are also told by Peter that no prophecy is of private interpretation. We need the wisdom and iron sharpening of fellow believers and the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us into God's truth.
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Lectio Divina - The Practice of "Divine Reading"
This is now a typically Catholic practice; however, we are all told to meditate upon God's Word
The 3rd century Church Father Origen of Alexandria was the first to write about the practice of the Lectio Divina. Origen believed that God was incarnate in scripture and that people could be touched powerfully by God through slow purposeful reading of the Bible.
“When you devote yourself to the divine reading,” Origen wrote, “seek the meaning of divine words which is hidden from most people."
As you read a single passage over and over again, new meanings jump out at you. You can encounter God through this process of discovery.
Practice the Lectio Divina:
1) Read (Lectio). Read the passage slowly. What words or phrases jump out at you?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
2) Reflect (Meditatio). Read the passage again. What emotions does it stir up? Is there anything God is saying to you personally through the passage?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
3) Respond (Oratio). Read the passage again. Is there a response or action step God is inviting you to take?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
4) Rest (Contemplatio). Read the passage one last time. Allow the divine reading to sink in.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
Prayer: God, thank you for your Word. Reveal your Word to me.
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Email: jwilliams@churchofgodcornelius.org
Website: churchofgodcornelius.org
Location: 19525 Oak Street, Cornelius, NC, USA
Phone: 704-651-0310
Facebook: facebook.com/corneliuschurchofgod