Dear IBC,

In March, I have the privilege of teaching an installment in our Lenten series on the spiritual disciplines.  My subject is the spiritual discipline of Scripture, or the practice of what the church fathers termed “lectio divina”, divine or holy reading. As our upcoming IBC Saturday intensive learning experience defines it,

“’Holy reading’ is the deliberate and intentional practice of making the transition from a kind of reading that treats and handles, however reverently, Jesus dead to a way of reading that frequents the company of friends who are listening to, accompanying, and following Jesus alive.”

This disciplined approach to putting God’s word into our lives rests on the remarkable biblical promise to all who take Scripture seriously:  “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…” (2 Peter 1:4).

What amazing provision for our spiritual growth God has made through his word! But here’s the challenge: accessing his word in a dynamic and transformative way on a regular basis. Perhaps that’s why lectio divina is a historically recognized spiritual discipline of the Christian life. Our elder brothers and sisters in the faith recognized that, without a plan and a practice, most of us would leave the scriptural feast God has spread for us uneaten on the table.

I’d really love some feedback on this question from you all. . . in these days, are you “in” the word in a disciplined way that is actually changing your heart and your life, or are you doing the hit or miss thing that frustrates the fire out of all who sincerely want to grow up into Jesus? (And if you’re in the first category, please share what that scripture “discipline” looks like!).

In it joyfully, forever, together for Him,

Pastor Andy

Lectio Divina