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Going Deeper with Our Words: Lectio Divina Bible Study-Week 1
For the month of August, we are excited to begin a 5-week sermon series titled Words Matter. Throughout this series, we will dive into the New Testament Book of James. This small book, reflecting wisdom from Proverbs and Jesus' teachings known as the Sermon on the Mount, repeatedly addresses how we as believers communicate with God, with one another, and with the world around us. Together, we’ll examine common communication hurdles and discover practical, Christ-centered wisdom for our everyday speech. Along the way, we’ll also integrate helpful communication tools inspired by Jefferson Fisher’s book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More.
In Week 1 of our series, Words Matter, our spiritual homework was to dive deeper into James 1, reading the passage using Lectio Divina, an ancient Christian practice of prayerfully reading Scripture to listen for God's voice, deepen your relationship with Him, and live out His Word.
We learned the five traditional steps of Lectio Divina to help us navigate our reading:
Lectio (Read). Read a short passage of Scripture slowly and attentively, noticing any word or phrase that stands out.
Meditatio (Reflect). Reflect on the passage and consider what God may be saying to you through it.
Oratio (Pray). Respond to God in prayer, sharing your thoughts, feelings, gratitude, or requests.
Contemplatio (Contemplate). Rest quietly in God's presence, allowing His word to sink deeply into your heart.
Actio (Live It Out). Put what you have received into practice by living out God's message in your daily life.
Reading through the James 1, Lectio Divina style, what was your experience? In what ways did the Holy Spirit speak to you through the text?
From our reading, we were also given a Conversation Challenge to guide us in our interactions: The goal is to never win an argument. Instead, seek to understand before trying to be understood. Ask more questions than you make statements. Ask one more question before giving an opinion.
Was there a situation that came up for you in which you made the effort to first listen and understand? Or a conversation that was brought back to your remembrance that you felt led to revisit? How did that feel? Is there anything that you would have said or done differently?
Prayer: God, thank You for reminding us that our words matter. As we end this first week, help us slow down, listen with open hearts, and seek to understand others as we desire also to be understood. Give us the humility to ask more questions, the wisdom to pause before speaking, and the grace to choose words that bring life instead of harm. May our conversations reflect Your love, our listening reflect Your compassion, and our words build bridges, offer hope, and point others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Join us in practicing to be doers of the word!
Words Matter Lectio Divina Bible Study & Practice: Click HERE to download our Words Matter sermon series Lectio Divina weekly bible study and practice.
Words Matter Sermon Series Replays: Words matter. Catch the series on YouTube and discover the power of what you say.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Charisse Jones
Director, Office of Communications
St. Andrew's UMC-Brandon
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