This past Sunday we did something a little different when it came to the message time. Because it was a Sunday where a lot of people were away, we decide that instead of doing a "traditional" message that we would explore our Scripture text for the morning, Luke 9:23-26, using Lectio Divina.

Below is how you do a group Lectio Divina, though you can use it for your own spiritual practice as well. In fact, I would encourage you this week to spend some time using this spiritual exercise along with our text for the morning to see what God might be saying to you through it. And if you do it, I'd be interested in hearing how it went.

Practicing Lectio Divina as a group

Begin by identifying an individual to lead the process. This person will lead the process by reading the selected text three times. Each reading is followed by a period of silence after which each person is given the opportunity to briefly share what they are hearing as they listen to God.

First Reading
During the first reading, read the text aloud twice. Read through slowly. The purpose of the first reading is for each person to hear the text and to listen for a word, phrase or idea that captures their attention. As group members recognize a word, phrase or idea, they are to focus their attention on that word, repeating it.

Second Reading
During the second reading, read the text again. This time, listeners are to focus their attention on how the word, phrase or idea speaks to their life that day.
What does it mean for you today? How is Christ, the Word, speaking to you about your life through this word, phrase or idea? What is Christ, the Word, speaking
to you about your life through this word, phrase, or idea? After the reading, allow a brief period of silence and then invite group members to share briefly what they have heard.

Third Reading
Read the text again. This time, listeners are to focus on what God is calling them to do or to become. Experiencing God’s presence changes us. It calls us to something. During this final reading, what is God calling you to do or to be as a result of this experience? After the third reading, allow a period of silence, and then invite group members to share what they are being called to do or to be. Finish the exercise by having each one pray for the person on his or her right.