If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.

If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?

But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.

If all were a single member, where would the body be?

^{As it is, there are many members, yet one body.}

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this.

But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

Introduction to “Lectio Divina” or Spiritual Reading

What is “Lectio Divina” or Spiritual Reading?

Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of reading Scripture carefully and prayerfully, seeking to hear God’s word for us this day.

What are the movements of this kind of Spiritual Reading?

Traditionally Lectio Divina has four movements:

1. Reading (Lectio) – A careful, prayerful, expectant reading of a brief Biblical text listening for God’s word to us.

2. Reflection (Meditato) – Probing reflection on the text, pondering connections between the text and what is going on in our lives, individually or as a community.

3. Prayer (Oratio) – Sharing with God what we are hearing, and how we are reacting to what we have heard, lifting up questions, requests, concerns, or joys that grow out of the text.

4. Resting and Waiting (Contemplatio) – Resting in God’s presence and seeking to perceive God’s leading, patiently waiting for insight into what is God asking us to do or be.

What is the difference between spiritual reading and a more academic study of the Bible?

Spiritual reading and the academic study of the Bible are two different ways of seeking God’s guidance through Scripture. Both are important, and these two different methods can complement each other. The academic study of the Bible seeks to hear God’s voice by paying attention to issues such as the historical and literary context of a particular passage, theological doctrines or teachings growing out of the text, and the intent and situation of the original author. Spiritual reading seeks to hear God’s voice by paying attention to the movement of the Spirit in the interaction between the read and the text, or between the readers, the text, and the group’s conversation around the text.

Is Lectio Divina best practiced alone or in a group?

Traditionally lectio divina is practiced alone, but many find that this kind of spiritual reading and holy conversation also works well within a group of 2 to 12 people.

Why are we beginning to emphasize Lectio Divina at our church?

Our church is moving to an emphasis on Minsitry Teams which have a three fold focus on (1) Fellowship, (2) Discipleship, and (3) Ministry. Lectio Divina can be one helpful way for committees and Ministry Teams to focus on the discipleship. Suggestions for Scripture passages to be used by Ministry Teams will be posted on the church website.

What types of questions are used in Lectio Divina?

Questions and suggestions like the following may be used:

1. As you hear the text read out loud and ponder it, what do you notice? What words or phrases strike you? What do you wonder about?

2. What connections do you see between the text and things going on in our lives, individually, or as a church, or as a community, or as a world. What might God be saying to us through this text?

3. What questions, requests, reactions, concerns or joys would you want to share with God?

4. Continue to ponder the text, attentive to God’s leading.

Where can I find out more about Lectio Divina?

Marjorie Thompson has a helpful introduction to Lectio Divina in her book Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life, or information may be found on the internet.

Lectionary Reading

Also, you may choose to read from the Presbyterian Church (USA) lectionary - Click HERE for that link.