If you are passionate about history, you are going to love the Bible. If biography is your bag, the Bible is for you. Want adventure? Drama? Intrigue? Pick up the Bible. If you want words of knowledge or soulful poems and songs, the Bible is your playlist. It's mindboggling that so many types of literature are found in the pages of this ancient text.

When I was in college, I set about reading and memorizing passages of the Bible in an effort to be more fully immersed in all it had to offer. It was a helpful practice and I enjoyed the benefit immediately. But recently, I was introduced to the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina (divine reading). It is a simple, yet powerful practice which moves beyond memorization of words into a conversation with the Writer of the Word.

This spiritual practice consists of four easy steps:

1. READ: Find a short passage of scripture and read it slowly and thoughtfully. Perhaps read it once to become familiar with the words and then again to think about what it is trying to say. Pause and let the words sink into your soul.
2. MEDITATE: Spend time "living" in the passage. Use your imagination to enter the world of the writer. Walk alongside the person. Imagine the images written about in the text. If it's a shepherd and sheep, picture the setting, the sounds, the smells. If it's a story of Jesus healing someone, picture the crowd's reaction, the house where it occurs, the streets filled with people, the person's response.
3. CONTEMPLATE: Re-read the text again. This time, really focus on the words and their meaning. Why did the author select that specific phrase? What was the purpose of using those words? If you are reading John 10:10, "A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.", what does Jesus mean about killing, stealing, destroying? Where have you seen this happen in the world? In your life? What does Jesus mean by life abundant? How does this contrast to the world the thief brings?
4. PRAY: Spend time praying over the words. Allow God, through the Holy Spirit, to bring these words, the story, the truth, to life in you. Ask God to allow these words to guide your day. Pray that the meaning found in this passage will help you move further along your spiritual journey and live in response to their truth.

This simple practice can take as long, or as little time as you desire. But I promise it will bring a new appreciation for the Word of God and it's power in your life.

I look forward to hearing your own experience with this deeper dive into the Word.