Psalm 32:8 - The Path

July 22, 2018
What is Lectio Divina

I heard about Lectio Divina while listening to a book by Shauna Niequist (which I recommended to Kirsten, I hope she listens!)  I googled it and found two sites so far that I like.

 -   https://focusoncampus.org/content/do-the-lectio-3-step-an-easy-illustrated-guide-to-praying-lectio-divina   This guide gives prayers to use for each step.

-   https://www.benedictinecenter.org/sustained-lectio-divina-lecture   Because this practice is mostly associated with the Benedictine, I found this short lecture excerpt very helpful.

I hope you are interested in starting this journey with me! 💙

I am reading this with the four steps in mind:  Prepare, See, Listen, Do

Psalm 32:8

NIV - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Message - Let me give you some good advice; I'm looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight.

This is my first attempt at Lectio Divina.  I had been planning to start this today and had considered a few verses, but Celenna posted this verse this morning and I thought it was a great starting spot. (Prepare)

Here are my experiences today with a first and short interaction with this verse.

My first read through said this was a Father/Parent speaking to his children that are setting off on their own.  A lot of my life right now is focused on guiding my son, and of course it said to me that I am to be his guide.  To teach, instruct and watch over.

I do like the Message Bible but in this verse it took out that all important "watch over you".  Sometimes our kids do not want us to watch over them but as the parent it really isn't a choice.  And as God is our Father I suppose it is not a choice for Him either.

My second read through which was to listen, I asked the questions in the focus link above. "So you're telling me ______?  You mean to tell me that ______________?"  This is supposed to be a conversation with God.  I saw in my mind a roadway leading away from home.  Mom pointing and the kid fidgeting around, pack on his back, waiting for the parent to say what ever they needed to say before the journey alone begins.  But I also can see myself as the one with the pack, already choosing my direction and destination and God tapping me on the shoulder, "I have shown you the way you should go." That is what I might hear but it really says, "I am showing you the way to go."  It is future tense, not past.

The Do step was the one that really put this verse into perspective for me.  In Shauna's book, she had said that this practice really made the Bible be that living word, piercing sword it is meant to be.   So here is how I pictured it.  Have you ever tried to have a heart to heart with someone who was hurting?  You pulled up a chair so you were knee to knee with them and spoke to them "looking them in the eye," lifting their chin with a gentle finger.

So Jesus pulled up a chair to mine, knee to knee and said, "I will instruct you, teach you, counsel you.  And I am giving it to you straight, I watch over you."  He shows me I am worthy of His notice, His time, and His attention.  And so is my child.

I will keep this verse at the front of my focus this week and see what else it reveals.

I want you to share your experiences with Lectio Divina if you have done it before, and  if you chose to follow along with this verse, please share those insights.

Love to you all!!