THE MOST INCREDIBLE METHOD FOR MEDITATING ON SCRIPTURE

Written By Pastor Jay Dennis

One of my mentors, Dr. Mark Laser, challenged me to study the early Christian methods of meditating on Scripture. I discovered that in the year AD 220 the Lectio Divina was developed. It means sacred reading or spiritual reading. 

This method was systematized in the 12th Century (1150) by Benedictine Monks. It involved four specific steps that we will focus upon.

Learn this and you are going to get even more out of Scripture. 

STEP ONE: LECTIO (Reading)

Find a specific passage of Scripture and read it. Read it slowly, carefully, and perhaps multiple times. Focus on every word. 

STEP TWO: MEDITATION (Reflection)

Now, reflect upon the passage. Seek to understand the context and each word of the passage. Meditation has the idea of a cow chewing its cud. So, you are chewing on Scripture getting out of it everything you can as you ask for God’s wisdom. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the meaning of the words and the passage. 

STEP THREE: ORATIO (Praying)

The third step in meditating is taking the Scripture and transforming it into a prayer and praise to God. Praying Scripture is the most powerful form of prayer. Every Scripture can be turned into a prayer or a point of praise. When you pray Scripture you know that you are praying in the will of God. 

STEP FOUR: CONTEMPLATIO (Listening to God)

Be still and listen to God. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you through that Scripture. Be willing to obey whatever God tells you to do. Understand there is no new revelation from God, only the Bible. Ask God to speak clearly to your mind and heart as you focus on a particular Scripture. 

There you have it. You Read (Scripture), Reflect (On Scripture), Pray it back to God or turn it into Praise, and then Listen for the Voice of the Holy Spirit. It’s simply, yet simply powerful. 

Don’t forget to check out our podcasts on your favorite podcast site: The Wingman Men's Moment or The Papa Roc and Jay Pop Show.  

Click here for more content from Wingman Nation: https://linktr.ee/wingman.nation

Click here for more content from The Papa Roc and Jay Pop Show: https://linktr.ee/PapaRocJayPopShow

Pastor Jay Dennis

Pastor Jay Dennis is the co-founder of Wingman Nation, a Scripture-driven men’s ministry with a mission to help men become better husbands, fathers, and Christ-like leaders. With over 40 years of pastoral experience, including 21 years as Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida, Pastor Jay brings deep spiritual insight to his ministry. He is also the co-founder of City Central Church in Lakeland. Married to his beloved wife Angie for 41 years, they are proud parents of two children and have three grandchildren.

Previous

Breaking Satan's Strongholds
Next

The Exit-Strategy Principle