To increase your appreciation of Scripture and what God’s word has to say to you. This discipline allows familiar texts to speak differently to you that a simple reading may. Over time, you may perceive that using this discipline, Scripture examines you rather than you studying it.What You Will Need
A Bible, some paper, and a pen. The first is required; the last two are optional.
A selected passage of Scripture. This should not be an extended passage. It can be as short as two verses but probably ten verses would be too long. The passage should contain a complete thought but does not need to stand on its own. It is not necessary to have settled on a passage before beginning. You may select it after the initial prayer or after you have reached a comfortable and quiet place.
The Setting
A relatively quiet environment with no or few distractions and no interruptions.
It may help if you select a routine place and time to exercise this discipline but neither are required.
Some people prefer to be able to see nature through a window and others prefer a calmer and warm environment such as a room with low lighting and perhaps some candles, a personal altar or shrine. If you have a prayer room or place in your house, that would likely be the best place for this discipline.
Procedure
There are various methods employed for this discipline and you are welcome to modify the following guidelines so that they seem right to you.
Step 1 – Relax and calm your mind. Sit comfortably without tight clothing, shoe laces, or jewelry.
Once comfortable, take three deep breaths, hold them, and then let them out slowly. It will probably help if you close your eyes, and keep them closed until you are ready to begin reading (Step 3).
Beginning at the top of your head, conduct a body scan and relax your body. Other than the muscle tension required to sit up, your muscles should all feel relaxed.
After the body scan, breathe slowly and shallowly for about thirty seconds. Concentrate on your breathing – in, out; in, out; in, out. If other thoughts come into your mind, neither let them capture your attention or try to fight them. Simply let them come and go. If you find yourself becoming distracted, return to concentrating on your breathing, but don’t force yourself to.
Step 2 – Pray. Offer yourself and the time to God; invite Him to join you in this exercise. Ask Him to speak to you through His word.
Step 3 – Read the passage you have selected. Read it out loud, all the way through, slowly. You should not be rushing through this reading. Read it again, in the same manner two more times.
Step 4 – Listen. Once you have read the passage three times, close your eyes, relax, and listen for what words or concepts seem to come to mind. This may be a single word or a phrase. If you would like, write it down.
Step 5 – Pray. Ask God to show you how this word or phrase can be incorporated in your life. Ask Him for help in using this word or this concept to become more like Him.
Step 6 – Listen. After this prayer, sit with your eyes closed and listen for what God or Scripture will tell you about how to become more like God. If you’d like, write it down.
Repeat Steps 3 through 5 two more times
Step 6 – Leave the session. After you have completed the cycle of reading, listening, and prayer, sit quietly for a minute with your eyes closed. If necessary, concentrate on your breathing to reduce distractions. When you’re ready, take three deep breaths and let them out slowly. Open your eyes.
