For Christians, this story culminates in the story of Jesus in Christian texts known as the New Testament. Jesus was a Jewish man living in Roman occupied Palestine around 2,000 years ago. He grew up in the traditions of his ancestors and was well versed in the Hebrew scriptures. And so we read his story with all that came before in mind. The Gospels (literally “good news”) tell the story of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection. The remaining books of the New Testament give us a glimpse into the early happenings and teachings of the church. How did the early church leaders interpret what Jesus had lived and taught? How did the early church live out their calling to continue what Jesus had started in the world?
We turn regularly to the Bible, both within and outside of worship, to be reminded of God’s long history with us. We read the Bible to remember God’s love for us. We read the Bible to learn what God expects of us. And we read the Bible to recall the grace that God has given to us.
In these times when things seem uncertain and many of us are gripped by fear and grief, we can turn to the Bible as a source of strength, a reminder of God’s love and grace, and a source of guidance in our day.
Start the Day with Scripture
During a recent study, we read the book The Common Rule by Justin Early. One of the chapters tells us to start the day with scripture before all else. As a part of his case for developing this habit, the author had us consider how we currently start our day and how the way we start our mornings can frame the rest of our day.
For many of us, the day starts with picking up the smartphone and opening Facebook or Instagram or twitter or any number of other social media, news, or games. Often it is done not out of an intention to do something, but simply as a form of distraction or entertainment. And for some of us, the rest of our day looks much the same. No intention, simply a desire to be distracted or entertained, skipping directionless from one thing to the next.
But when we intentionally start our day with scripture, things begin to shift. First is the fact that we start the day with an intentional act. Rather than picking up the phone and blindly scrolling through feeds, we make an intentional choice to turn to the Bible. Second, when we read the Bible, we are reminded of God’s love and grace. Our day begins with that reminder rather than the heartache of the latest tragedy or the distraction of meaningless scrolling. How does it change the rest of our day to start it with a reminder of God’s love and grace? Particularly in uncertain times, this reminder provides a solid foundation for the rest of our day
Devotional
Most devotionals provide us with a short scripture passage and a reflection on one or more of the themes found in that text. As such, a devotional can be an ideal way to start the day with scripture. Devotionals help us to think about the Bible and also to think about what those words written so long ago continue to mean for us today.
Many denominations publish one or more devotionals for use by the faithful. Brief pamphlets like The Upper Room or Our Daily Bread provide a scripture text, a short reflection, and a prayer for each day. Other devotions are published annually in a book that provides continuous readings and reflections throughout the year. Some authors write stand alone devotionals that cover a single topic over the course of a standard year.
While smartphones can provide ample distractions, several apps are also available for both reading the Bible independently or as part of a devotional. d365 is an ecumenical devotional available online or as an app.
Any of these can be used as a way of starting with or including intentional Bible reading in one’s day. With the addition of reflections on the text, we are able to learn from other’s experiences in ways that may provide much needed encouragement in days full of chaos and the unknown.
Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina literally means “holy reading.” It most often refers to a method of reading the Bible that involves meditation, prayer, and reflection. It is a personal way of listening to what God is saying through a particular text at a particular time. It allows space for God to speak to us directly through the text.
At a time when so many relationships are strained, lectio divina is a practice that allows us to sit and listen to God’s communication to us. Rather than listening with the intent to respond, the idea is simply to listen in order to hear what is being said.
For those that may be unfamiliar, the process is fairly simple.
- First, select a brief scripture passage. This could be based on the lectionary readings for the week, it could be based on reading continuously through a particular book of the Bible, or one could simply open the Bible to pick a few verses at random. The goal is to simply listen to the text.
- Next, allow yourself to sit comfortably in a posture for listening.
- Once you are ready, you will read the text through three times. The first time, listen to see if a particular word or phrase stands out in the reading. It may be a word or phrase in the reading, or it could be a word inspired by the reading. As you read the text through a second time, consider where that word or phrase intersects with your life today. Does that word or phrase intersect in a meaningful way with something you are experiencing? As you read through the text a third time, consider what it is that God is asking of you. Is God calling or asking you to do something through this text or through your word?
- Close with a prayer of thanksgiving for what God has spoken.
The practice of lectio divina is one that can be done alone or in small groups. Regular practice encourages us to approach scripture with open minds prepared to hear God speaking to us today. And the practice can be adapted to other avenues, such as other spiritual writings, the viewing of works of art or other images, and even to walking through God’s creation.
For those who may be interested in exploring more or who may want to have a little assistance, there are many resources available. Though a few years old, Gathered in the Word by Norvene Vest is a good introduction to praying the scriptures and covers the practice of lectio divina. More recently the Common English Bible released a lectio divina edition that breaks the entire Bible down into brief sections with guiding questions at the start of each. And for those that might wish for someone else to guide them, The Upper Room has audio lectio divina available online here: https://www.upperroom.org/resources/audio-lectio.
--------
While daily scripture reading is encouraged at the best of times, we find that in times of uncertainty it can provide us with a more solid foundation for getting through the day. It provides us with a starting point grounded in God’s love and grace. It provides us with avenues to learn from the experiences of others. And God continues to speak to us through the text still today when we take the opportunity to listen.
Next time we will look at our experience of music. For many, music is the most uplifting part of worship. But music is also a part of our lives with other people outside of worship. What role does music play in helping us maintain our spiritual well-being during this time? What role can music play in supporting our emotional and physical well-being?