Lectio Divina Passages and Meditation Podcasts
The words lectio divina are Latin for “holy reading.” This ancient prayer practice includes the following steps: lectio (“to read”), meditatio (“to reflect”), oratio (“to respond”), and contemplatio (“to rest”). Lectio divina allows you to listen for God’s activity using scripture and to connect to God through the ancient Word while delving into a particular passage. The practice of lectio divina focuses on formational reading of scripture as opposed to informational. Formational reading invites the text to shape you while informational reading invites you to understand the text. Though both types of reading can be useful on a spiritual journey, the art of lectio divina allows you to interact with God’s Word through meditating on a passage and listening for God’s leading. My personal journey has been shaped by spending time in the Word using lectio divina. Through this practice, I have realized how scripture can speak to my life regardless of what I am facing. Lectio divina has allowed me to see and hear God in new ways. Simpson, Whitney R. Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit. Upper Room Books, 2016.
If you are new to the practice of lectio divina, you can find an overview and instructions on how to practice lectio divina on page 24 here.
Isaiah 57:19 Lectio Divina: Heal (Page 52 of Holy Listening)
I will create reason for praise: utter prosperity to those far and near,
And I will heal them, says the Lord.
James 1:2-4 Lectio Divina: Endure (Page 82 of Holy Listening)
My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy. After all, you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let this endurance complete its work so that you may be fully mature, complete, and lacking in nothing.
Proverbs 24:13-14 Lectio Divina: Future (Page 84 of Holy Listening)
My child, eat honey, for it is good. The honeycomb is sweet in your mouth.
Ruth 3:11 Lectio Divina; Ask (Page 86 of Holy Listening)
And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I’ll do for you everything you are asking.
Indeed, my people-all who are at the gate- know that you are a woman of worth.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Lectio Divina: Love (Page 88 of Holy Listening)
Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant,
It isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.
Colossians 3:16 Lectio Divina: Wisdom (Page 106 in Holy Listening)
The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other will all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Lectio Divina: Peace (Page 112 of Holy Listening)
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit:
Many of us long to hear God's voice, yet we often overlook the great wisdom God gave us in our bodies. There is a deep connection between our bodies and spirits.
What might happen if we listened more deeply to the wisdom of our bodies? How might listening with our whole selves change the way we listen to God?
A stroke at age 31 forced Whitney Simpson to slow down and listen more deeply to her body. In the process she discovered how to listen more deeply to God. During her journey of healing and wholeness, Whitney explored ancient practices that she found helpful in connecting her body and spirit, including:
lectio divina (meditative reading of scripture)
yoga
breath prayer
aromatherapy
Listening to God with the entire body, not simply with our ears, may seem like a strange concept. Yet God created the body and the breath as gifts for us to explore. Most important, we don't have to experience a crisis to learn to listen to God's activity in and around us. Each of us can slow down and listen for God just as we are-in breath, body, and spirit.
This 40-day guide to holy listening offers daily meditations that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Each meditation includes scripture, yoga postures, a breath prayer, suggested essential oils, and reflection questions. The book provides descriptions and simple illustrations of yoga poses and suggests seated poses as modifications for all poses, making it accessible to both experienced yoga practitioners and those new to yoga.
Allow this book to invite you on a journey of holy listening as you explore ancient tools and new ways of experiencing the presence of God.
Available on Amazon.
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