Ancient Practices | Part 2: Divine Readings
Quality over quantity. I think it is ingrained in our culture that we think that quantity is the goal, but what I’ve come to realize is that this mindset isn’t just untrue; it can also be destructive.
Our second Ancient Practice unlocks a way to read Scripture with intentionality. Instead of reading large passages of Scripture quickly, it actually helps us slow down and digest fully the living Word of God.
For centuries, this has been a practice. It involves four intentional steps:
This is fairly to the point, a simple but powerful practice. Choose a passage of Scripture and read it slowly, with intentionality. Psalm 23 is a perfect example. Have you ever taken ten full minutes to read this beautiful Psalm, letting each word sink in, allowing the truth of God’s Word to move beyond the surface and sink deep into your soul? It’s in that quiet unhurried space that Scripture truly begins to shape us.
A few devotions ago, I wrote this phrase: “You aren’t what you devour, but what you digest.” That whole devotion came out of this simple practice. I realized that slowing down and digesting the Word really transformed me. Reading five chapters a day does nothing if I’m just reading to get through it.
I’m not against reading lots of Scripture quickly. I’m just against saying I did it.
What stood out? What is the Holy Spirit saying? Reflection is powerful when we meditate on the Word. I’ve said that I’ve been stuck, in the best way, for over six months on John 15, Galatians 5, and Hebrews 12. I keep reading them and meditating on them. I’m sure, eventually, I’ll move on but not until God is done showing me what He wants to show me.
On a personal note, you may ask, “What is He showing you in those passages that’s taking so long?” Well, I’ve read about the Fruit of the Spirit all my life, but I’ve come to really long for it in my life, especially the peace that is promised. These last few years have been anything but peaceful, and God is really showing me how peace can be mine. Fruit production takes time, and I’m finally taking the time to let Him produce peace in my life.
Prayer is, at its root, conversation with God, not just conversations to God. Petition is a part of it; but everywhere we see Jesus engaging in private prayer with His Father, it was conversational.
I’ve spoken about being a people of prayer and a house of prayer; but before either of those can happen, we must have a rhythm of prayer in our daily lives, not one-way conversions but two-way conversations.
For years, I’ve used a practice of “writing the thoughts of God” or journaling. I love both; but for me, I like to write my thoughts then practically ask God what He thinks. I share that because journaling is a great practice to help us process what’s going on inside, especially for those of us who struggle to be emotionally aware. But if we don’t make space to hear from God in the process, we’re missing out on the most transformative part.
Resting in the Word is maybe the most beneficial part of this practice. The Word works; you don’t have to work the Word. What do I mean? Unlike any other book, the Bible contains the very words of life. It’s alive and powerful, able to produce life when received by faith.
Learning to rest in His Word is powerful. I believe it’s what unlocks that peace we spoke of earlier. So often, we struggle to rest in God, but the first step is learning to rest in His Word.
God, I want to read, I want to meditate, I want to pray, and I want to rest in You and Your Word.
Ancient Practice, Part Two: Try it. It’s changed my life, and I think generations of Christians would testify to the same!
Our second Ancient Practice unlocks a way to read Scripture with intentionality. Instead of reading large passages of Scripture quickly, it actually helps us slow down and digest fully the living Word of God.
For centuries, this has been a practice. It involves four intentional steps:
- Slow, Intentional Reading
This is fairly to the point, a simple but powerful practice. Choose a passage of Scripture and read it slowly, with intentionality. Psalm 23 is a perfect example. Have you ever taken ten full minutes to read this beautiful Psalm, letting each word sink in, allowing the truth of God’s Word to move beyond the surface and sink deep into your soul? It’s in that quiet unhurried space that Scripture truly begins to shape us.
A few devotions ago, I wrote this phrase: “You aren’t what you devour, but what you digest.” That whole devotion came out of this simple practice. I realized that slowing down and digesting the Word really transformed me. Reading five chapters a day does nothing if I’m just reading to get through it.
I’m not against reading lots of Scripture quickly. I’m just against saying I did it.
- Reflection and Meditation
What stood out? What is the Holy Spirit saying? Reflection is powerful when we meditate on the Word. I’ve said that I’ve been stuck, in the best way, for over six months on John 15, Galatians 5, and Hebrews 12. I keep reading them and meditating on them. I’m sure, eventually, I’ll move on but not until God is done showing me what He wants to show me.
On a personal note, you may ask, “What is He showing you in those passages that’s taking so long?” Well, I’ve read about the Fruit of the Spirit all my life, but I’ve come to really long for it in my life, especially the peace that is promised. These last few years have been anything but peaceful, and God is really showing me how peace can be mine. Fruit production takes time, and I’m finally taking the time to let Him produce peace in my life.
- Prayer and Dialogue
Prayer is, at its root, conversation with God, not just conversations to God. Petition is a part of it; but everywhere we see Jesus engaging in private prayer with His Father, it was conversational.
I’ve spoken about being a people of prayer and a house of prayer; but before either of those can happen, we must have a rhythm of prayer in our daily lives, not one-way conversions but two-way conversations.
For years, I’ve used a practice of “writing the thoughts of God” or journaling. I love both; but for me, I like to write my thoughts then practically ask God what He thinks. I share that because journaling is a great practice to help us process what’s going on inside, especially for those of us who struggle to be emotionally aware. But if we don’t make space to hear from God in the process, we’re missing out on the most transformative part.
- Contemplation and Rest
Resting in the Word is maybe the most beneficial part of this practice. The Word works; you don’t have to work the Word. What do I mean? Unlike any other book, the Bible contains the very words of life. It’s alive and powerful, able to produce life when received by faith.
Learning to rest in His Word is powerful. I believe it’s what unlocks that peace we spoke of earlier. So often, we struggle to rest in God, but the first step is learning to rest in His Word.
God, I want to read, I want to meditate, I want to pray, and I want to rest in You and Your Word.
Ancient Practice, Part Two: Try it. It’s changed my life, and I think generations of Christians would testify to the same!
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