Day 1 – Lectio Divina
WEEK 1
This week, we are focusing on Revelation 21:1-10, what some describe as the Holy Wedding Day, when God will come and make all things new!
Read the passage and return to it as needed for your daily quiet time.
This Week's Passage: Revelation 21:1-10
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain,for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without costfrom the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.This is the second death.” 9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride,the wife of the Lamb.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.
Lectio Divina
… the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. — Deuteronomy 30:14 (NIV)
The ancient practice of Lectio Divina (divine reading) is a spiritual discipline for meditating on and praying Scripture. We immerse ourselves in a short passage of Scripture, slowly reading and re-reading the text to experience God’s presence more deeply. It helps us increase in our capacity to be still, become more aware of God’s voice and submit to Him, and grow in intimacy with Him as we set our minds on His word.
Before getting started, say a brief prayer such as, “Father, I surrender this time to you. Help me to receive all that you have for me.” Then follow the steps below.
Next Steps:
- Quiet
- Find a quiet space to slow down and get settled. Close your eyes, relax your jaw, breathe deeply, and release your thoughts to God. You may need to sit still for a few moments so that your mind is open to hearing from Him.
- Read
- Take a moment to slowly read the verses below out loud. Notice when a word or phrase stands out to you. Pause on the portion that you’re drawn to. Don’t rush. Listen and wait to hear what God is saying to you.
- Revelation 21:3-4 (NIV): And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
- Meditate
- Slowly, carefully re-read the verses out loud. Reflect on the words that God highlighted to you and ponder how He is leading you.
- Pray
- Read the verses out loud a third time, then respond to God through prayer. Authentically express your heart to Him. Tell Him what feelings arose as you were reading. Share any ways that you are resistant, confess any sins or struggles, and ask Him how to move forward.
- Contemplate
- Rest in God’s presence. Make room for His word to settle into your soul before leaving this space.
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