At every Waters’ Gathering we read scripture and use a modified version of Lectio Divina. (For more information on Lectio Divina you can go here.) Each week at each gathering we read the scripture out loud 2 times with a time of reflection, wrestling, questionaing, etc.. between the readings. This allows for us to be able to read the Bible as community. And so this is not a typical Bible Study (with specific questions that must be answered), Lesson (a specific way that the Bible must be understood), or a sermon (most of the time one person’s understanding of what the Bible is saying and then given to others without any way of discussion or questioning). We rely on the Holy Spirit to guide each gathering and then provide a larger place for questins and discussion here online on the blog so each gathering can bring thier own shimmer points to the world and to continue the discussion beyond the time that each gathering has spent in discussion.

The following is a basic guide for an individual person to read the text each day (if they are not able to attend a Gathering) and then provide a place of discussion for them, as well.

 

Basic Guide to Lectio Divina

5 Step process:

1st Read Scripture out loud (looking/listening for shimmer points) (Remember first time through the shimmer point can be for information)

2nd take 2-5 mins. For silence/prayer/meditation of the shimmer points.. your encouraged to have a discussion with the text. Ask it questions, challenge it.

3rd Read the scripture out loud a second time with a different mindset read it like a Dr. would read it or a lawyer, or even a child, and it would be great to have a different translation to read, as well.

4th Take a second time of silence but this time though be encouraged to not look for information, but transformation (How could this text actually change the way you live your life, or think about life, or treat others?)

5th Then type out your discussion as a comment on this blog post…and please remember that differening opinions are Ok and be respectful of others who read the text and ask different questions than you.