Don’t Hurry Past God
A 31-Day Journey Through Lectio Divina
We live in a world that rarely slows down.
We rush through our mornings, scroll through our phones, hurry through conversations, and sometimes even rush through our time with God. We read a chapter, check it off the list, and move on to the next thing.
But what if Scripture isn't simply something we need to get through?
What if it is an invitation to be with God?
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of prayerfully reading Scripture. The phrase means “divine reading.” It isn't about reading more Scripture or studying every detail. Instead, it is about slowing down, listening carefully, and allowing God's Word to speak personally to us.
Each day, you'll be given a short passage of Scripture. Read it slowly. Read it more than once. Pay attention to the words or phrases that seem to stand out.
Then move through these four simple steps:
1. READ (Lectio) — What does the Scripture say?
Read the passage slowly. Read it again. Don't rush.
Notice a word, phrase, or sentence that catches your attention. You don't have to understand everything. Simply notice what stands out.
Ask: What word or phrase is drawing my attention?
2. REFLECT (Meditatio) — What is God saying to me?
Stay with that word or phrase.
Think about it. Turn it over in your mind. Why might this particular word be standing out to me today? What does it reveal about God? What might He be inviting me to see, believe, change, or remember?
Ask: What might God be saying to me through this Scripture today?
3. RESPOND (Oratio) — What do I want to say to God?
Now talk with God about what you've discovered.
There is no perfect prayer. Respond honestly. You may want to thank Him, confess something, ask for help, surrender something, or simply tell Him what you're feeling.
Ask: God, how do I need to respond to You?
4. REST (Contemplatio) — Can I simply be with God?
Finally, stop talking.
Sit quietly in God's presence. Breathe. Let go of the need to accomplish something. You don't have to solve anything or come up with another thought.
Simply rest in the presence of the God who loves you.
Ask: Can I simply be here with God?
We rush through our mornings, scroll through our phones, hurry through conversations, and sometimes even rush through our time with God. We read a chapter, check it off the list, and move on to the next thing.
But what if Scripture isn't simply something we need to get through?
What if it is an invitation to be with God?
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of prayerfully reading Scripture. The phrase means “divine reading.” It isn't about reading more Scripture or studying every detail. Instead, it is about slowing down, listening carefully, and allowing God's Word to speak personally to us.
Each day, you'll be given a short passage of Scripture. Read it slowly. Read it more than once. Pay attention to the words or phrases that seem to stand out.
Then move through these four simple steps:
1. READ (Lectio) — What does the Scripture say?
Read the passage slowly. Read it again. Don't rush.
Notice a word, phrase, or sentence that catches your attention. You don't have to understand everything. Simply notice what stands out.
Ask: What word or phrase is drawing my attention?
2. REFLECT (Meditatio) — What is God saying to me?
Stay with that word or phrase.
Think about it. Turn it over in your mind. Why might this particular word be standing out to me today? What does it reveal about God? What might He be inviting me to see, believe, change, or remember?
Ask: What might God be saying to me through this Scripture today?
3. RESPOND (Oratio) — What do I want to say to God?
Now talk with God about what you've discovered.
There is no perfect prayer. Respond honestly. You may want to thank Him, confess something, ask for help, surrender something, or simply tell Him what you're feeling.
Ask: God, how do I need to respond to You?
4. REST (Contemplatio) — Can I simply be with God?
Finally, stop talking.
Sit quietly in God's presence. Breathe. Let go of the need to accomplish something. You don't have to solve anything or come up with another thought.
Simply rest in the presence of the God who loves you.
Ask: Can I simply be here with God?
So, for the next 31 days, don’t hurry past God.
Read slowly.
Listen carefully.
Respond honestly.
Rest quietly.
And let God's Word do what only God's Word can do.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
Read slowly.
Listen carefully.
Respond honestly.
Rest quietly.
And let God's Word do what only God's Word can do.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10