WANT TO EXPERIENCE SCRIPTURE?

I used to think reading scripture was something to do to check off my "spiritual to do list." Now I think of it as an experience and an invitation into a conversation with Yahweh God. My thoughts on reading vs experiencing scripture changed when I came across this fantastic book; Meeting God in Scripture (forty guided meditations) by Jan Johnson. This book is a great introduction to the ancient spiritual practice: Lectio Divina.  Grab the book if you can or ask Tamara from a copy. Here's an overview:

• BE STILL: close your eyes, focus on your breathing, & take three deep breaths.
  
• PRAY: Ask God to help you focus on scripture. Place your distractions aside (ask God to help you focus).
  
• READ: I'd suggest following a reading plan. Read your scripture a first time. Re-read the  passage OUT LOUD, slowly. Take time to let the words "fall on your ears." Be open and attentive to what stands out to you.
• REFLECT: If you're reading a "discourse" passage try to notice what stand out or "shimmers" for you, trusting that this is the prompting of the Holy Spirit. If you are reading a story try to "watch the action like a movie in your head." Use your imagination and the cues in scripture to place yourself in what's happening. What are you seeing & smelling? Your goal is to let God speak to you, not to perfectly reconstruct the event. Put yourself in the scene ... and let God speak to you while you're there.
• RESPOND: Spend time responding to what God has spoken to you. Ask God a question (write it in your journal). You may wish to protest what God has come to you. Or simply thank God for speaking to you. The point of this is to respond to God in some way. Be honest.
• REST:  Now simply BE PRESENT WITH GOD. You may wish to contemplate or absorb your conversation with God. Notice how your conversation with God has affected you. You may find yourself worshiping God.
• TRY IT ON: An invitation to take some form of action that embodies the truth revealed to you through your conversation with God. You can also ask God to show you a way to experiment with living out something from the passage, even in a small way.
  

A FEW MORE TIPS AS YOU READ SCRIPTURE:
TIP 1: Try to read every day. But when you miss a day or two or five - don't give up! This is normal for everyone. Just start reading again. It's like eating, if you miss a meal, you don't stop eating all together. You have a snack or eat an even BIGGER meal the next time.
TIP 2: Find a regular time and place to read. A time you usually have free most everyday & a place (maybe a favorite chair) away from distractions. You'll want to put your phone in airplane mode - because it WILL distract you.