What is this about?

Do you hear God speak? Christians study the scriptures, read from them, share them with others and, as best as we can, live according to what they teach. But how often can we say with any degree of authenticity that we've heard the voice of God in the Word of God? Studying God's Word, sharing it, and applying it all require some form of personal discipline. Lectio Divina is a practice employed by many Christ honoring people that requires a form of discipline so that we might hear God speaking through the scriptures.
Lectio Divina (sacred reading Lat.) involves the selection of a small section of scripture (usually a verse or less) and then taking it in its context, reverently considering each word, and prayerfully listening for the Holy Spirit to put that passage to work in us. That work may be for our encouragement, our correction, to evoke in us awe, to provoke us to action or a variety of other responses. The practice of Lectio Divina is not about seeking novel or strange and obscure interpretations of God's Word. This is why it is crucial to anchor to its context whatever passage is before us. We are not seeking to be creative, but rather relational. We are asking God to visit with us and spend time with us in His Word.
In each of my posts initially I will select a portion of God's Word and then relate to you how I have employed the practice of Lectio Divina. It is my earnest hope that you will do the same and share with all of us in the comments section your experience in hearing from God in that same scripture passage. The result? An online community of humble hearers and doers of God's Word.
Interested? Then check back here soon and we'll begin.