Whole Gospel

Practice 1: Reading the Bible

Desire

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  • A regular habit of reading and studying the Bible 

  • A growing understanding of scripture and theology

  • Ability to explain the Gospel and see my story in God’s story

Definition

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Reading the Bible is a critical discipline of our spiritual growth.

While there are many different ways to build this into your life, the questions included here offer a reflective and prayerful means of allowing the Bible to shape and form us. 

Scripture

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  • “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

  • “Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16) 

  • “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

  • “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

  • “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

  • “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-

  • edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and

  • marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

  • (Hebrews 4:12)

Practice Includes

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Using the word GROW as an acronym, the following questions are meant to guide your reading so that it becomes transformational rather than simply informational. As you begin, ask the

Holy Spirit to guide you. Read the selected text, and then enter a conversation with God about it.

Questions to help you GROW

God’s Word….

  • What does this text reveal about God’s character?

  • What does it reveal about me? Is this godly characteristic evident in my life?

Relationships….

  • How does the text move me toward healthier relationships? With God?  With others?

  • Is there something for which I need to ask God’s forgiveness?

Outward Action….

  • In what ways am I being called to obedience through this text?

  • How might I move into this newly realized truth?

Worship….

  • How will I express my gratitude to God for what I’ve learned?

  • How might I more faithfully engage in a lifestyle of worship?

God-Given Fruit

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  • A growing desire to dwell in it the Word of God

  • A growing desire to share the Gospel and  God’s story with others

  • A growing desire to surrender my life, allowing it to be shaped by scripture

  • Heart transformation/Growing to be more like Jesus

Practice 2: Lectio Divina

Desire

1

Regular rhythm of deep contemplation, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate scripture and use it to help me become more like Jesus.

Definition

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Lectio Divina means “divine reading.” It involves reading a passage of the Bible slowly and intentionally.

It is important to note that Lectio Divina is not a Bible study, it is a form of prayer. God uses scripture to speak to us all the time, and this is a way to slow down and be still in His Word. It is amazing what we will hear God tell us when we allow Him the time and space to speak.

A Lectio Divina is typically divided into four different parts:

  1. Reading – Read the text out loud until a phrase stands out, this is what the Holy Spirit is drawing your attention to.

  2. Meditate – Repeat the phrase out loud, asking what God is saying to you through this text.

  3. Pray – Take your thoughts and offer them back to God.

  4. Contemplate – Move from prayer into resting in God’s presence.

Scripture

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“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” (Deuteronomy 6:6)

“This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.” (Joshua 1:8)

“I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

Practice Includes

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Start by choosing a scripture passage to reflect on. Then read it slowly four times, allowing God’s word to sink into your mind and heart with each new reading. Use the following as your focus and intention for each reading:

  • Reading 1 (lectio/Read): Read the passage out loud. Get to know the Scripture passage. 

  • Reading 2 (meditatio/meditate): Read the passage a second time. Listen for a word or phrase that speaks to you. You may want to write down anything that stands out.

  • Reading 3 (oratio/pray): Read the passage a third time. Reflect on how God may be speaking to you through that word or phrase.

  • Reading 4 (contemplatio/contemplate): Read the passage a fourth time.  sit quietly and allow God to work. Reflect on how God may be calling you to act through the word or phrase that spoke to you. 

  • Act/Pray (imitatio): Close with a prayer of gratitude and response to God’s invitation.

God-Given Fruit

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  • “Attunement” to the presence of God in the Scriptures. 

  • A growing ability to listen both in a spirit of silence and of awe

  • Ability to allow God’s word to become His word for us, a word that touches us and affects us at our deepest levels.

  • Ability to allow the word that we have taken in to touch and change our deepest selves

  • Wordless, quiet rest in the presence of the God