Friday, February 29, 2008
Saturday (March 1) Living Water
Scripture-
Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53: 1-5
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday's Living Water
As you read today you might notice these verses begin with a "therefore". If time permits, why not look up what precedes these verses and discover what the therefore is there for!
Scripture-
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder…
2 Peter 1: 10-13
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Scripture-
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder…
2 Peter 1: 10-13
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday's Living Water
Scripture-
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1: 35
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Wednesday's Living Water
Scripture-
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1: 5-9
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth;
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1: 5-9
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Monday, February 25, 2008
Tuesday's Living Water
Don't panic! It is the same verse in two translations again. Both are so good! Run with perseverance the race marked out before us. Fix our eyes on Jesus! Do not grow weary!
Scripture-
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Hebrews 12: 1-3 (The Message)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12: 1-3 (NIV)
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Scripture-
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Hebrews 12: 1-3 (The Message)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12: 1-3 (NIV)
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday's Living Water
Scripture-
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.
Romans 4: 20-25 (The Message)
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Abraham didn't focus on his own impotence and say, "It's hopeless. This hundred-year-old body could never father a child." Nor did he survey Sarah's decades of infertility and give up. He didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God, sure that God would make good on what he had said. That's why it is said, "Abraham was declared fit before God by trusting God to set him right." But it's not just Abraham; it's also us! The same thing gets said about us when we embrace and believe the One who brought Jesus to life when the conditions were equally hopeless. The sacrificed Jesus made us fit for God, set us right with God.
Romans 4: 20-25 (The Message)
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Sunday's Living Water
Scripture-
… has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3: 6-10
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
… has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3: 6-10
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Friday, February 22, 2008
Saturday's Living Water
Scripture-
Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--
For we walk by faith, not by sight--
we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
2 Corinthians 5: 6-9
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--
For we walk by faith, not by sight--
we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
2 Corinthians 5: 6-9
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Friday's Living Water
Scripture-
For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:12-14
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Thursday's Living Water
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Scripture-
O LORD, You are my God;
I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;
For You have worked wonders,
Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.
Isaiah 25:1
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Scripture-
O LORD, You are my God;
I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;
For You have worked wonders,
Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.
Isaiah 25:1
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Wednesday's Living Water
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Scripture-
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5: 8-10
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Monday, February 18, 2008
Tuesday's Living Water
Scripture-
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Monday's Living Water
Scripture-
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever."
And this is the word that was preached to you.
1 Peter 1: 22-25
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever."
And this is the word that was preached to you.
1 Peter 1: 22-25
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sunday's Living Water
Scripture-
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the men of old gained approval.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
Hebrews 11: 1-3
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Friday, February 15, 2008
Saturday's Living Water
Scripture-
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
James 1: 2-6 (The Message)
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Friday's Living Water
Scripture-
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5: 1-5
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.
Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5: 1-5
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Thursday's Living Water
Meditate
I like the language 'you chew on Scripture day and night.' The Hebrew word here for meditate is 'hagah.' It simply means to reflect on; ponder; to engage in contemplation.
We don't (at least we shouldn't) read the Bible to get a 'buzz', but to get every ounce of nutrition out of it. When we meditate on God's Word, we "chew" it by reading it over and over. We spend time pondering the words and what it reveals about Jesus and His heart for us. Then it sinks down into our hearts, as we go about other things; but later that day, we'll bring it back up again in our mind and dwell on (ponder, reflect on) it some more, and on and on. (a quick review from an earlier entry)
Scripture-
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13: 4-8
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wednesday's Living Water
Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)
Lectio – reading and listening to the text
Place yourself in a comfortable position and allow yourself to become silent. Some Christians focus for a few moments on one thing to block out the noise of life. A favorite prayer or Bible verse can be gently recited in order to become peacefully aware of God's presence. Use whatever method is best for you and allow yourself to enjoy silence for a few moments.
Then, turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the "still, small voice" of a word or phrase that somehow says, "I am for you today." Do not expect lightning or ecstasies. In lectio divina God is teaching us to listen to Him, to seek Him in silence. He does not reach out and grab us; rather, He softly, gently invites us ever more deeply into His presence.
Scripture-
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 1-6
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Lectio – reading and listening to the text
Place yourself in a comfortable position and allow yourself to become silent. Some Christians focus for a few moments on one thing to block out the noise of life. A favorite prayer or Bible verse can be gently recited in order to become peacefully aware of God's presence. Use whatever method is best for you and allow yourself to enjoy silence for a few moments.
Then, turn to the text and read it slowly, gently. Savor each portion of the reading, constantly listening for the "still, small voice" of a word or phrase that somehow says, "I am for you today." Do not expect lightning or ecstasies. In lectio divina God is teaching us to listen to Him, to seek Him in silence. He does not reach out and grab us; rather, He softly, gently invites us ever more deeply into His presence.
Scripture-
My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3: 1-6
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Monday, February 11, 2008
Tuesday's Living Water
Scripture-
I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
Your unfailing love will last forever.
Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
Psalm 89: 1-2
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
I will sing of the Lord’s unfailing love forever!
Young and old will hear of your faithfulness.
Your unfailing love will last forever.
Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.
Psalm 89: 1-2
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Monday's Living Water
Scripture-
Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
2 Thessalonians 3: 1-5
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.
2 Thessalonians 3: 1-5
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Sunday's Living Water
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Scripture-
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Scripture-
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1: 11-12
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Friday, February 8, 2008
Saturday's Living Water
As I type, I wonder how I can encourage each of you to stay diligent with these daily readings. To press on through the distractions that can pull us away. Today’s verse talks once again about faith. That theirs is growing more and more. Yet when we keep reading we see there are persecutions and trials going on and they are enduring. If your days have trials, tuck this verse in your heart and reflect back on it. Slowly read it again and again. They were enduring and their love was growing. What an example for us. Be encouraged. Stay the course!
Scripture-
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
2 Thessalonians 1: 3-4
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Scripture-
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
2 Thessalonians 1: 3-4
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Friday's Living Water
Scripture-
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
2 Peter 1: 5-9
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
2 Peter 1: 5-9
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Thursday's Living Water
Scripture-
Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
Psalm 119: 89-94
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
Psalm 119: 89-94
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Wednesday's Living Water
Scripture-
Dear friends, I've dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish.
Jude 1: 3 (The Message)
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Dear friends, I've dropped everything to write you about this life of salvation that we have in common. I have to write insisting—begging!—that you fight with everything you have in you for this faith entrusted to us as a gift to guard and cherish.
Jude 1: 3 (The Message)
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Tuesday's Living Water
Scripture-
I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints;
and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.
Philemon 1: 4-6
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints;
and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.
Philemon 1: 4-6
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Monday's Living Water
Monday morning! However the weekend went, soak in these verses. The Lord's great love is amazing. His compassions never fail. May your week begin with these truths.
Scripture-
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3: 22-26
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Scripture-
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3: 22-26
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Sunday's Living Water
Scripture-
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
1 Timothy 1:5
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
1 Timothy 1:5
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Friday, February 1, 2008
Saturday's Living Water
I wonder, have we ever given much thought to our circumstances? Could they be for the greater progress of the gospel?
Scripture-
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
Philippians 1:12
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
Scripture-
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
Philippians 1:12
Reading - Slowly read the Scripture passage several times
Meditation - Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text. Which words, phrases or images speak to you most?
Prayer - Offer the internalized passage back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration, confession, renewal, petition, intercession, affirmation, or thanksgiving.
Contemplation - What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?
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