Day 8 – Lectio Divina
WEEK 2:
On days 8-14 of our time of prayer and fasting, we are focusing on Revelation 21:22 – Revelation 22:5, which centers around the restoration of the Garden of Eden.
Read the passage and return to it as needed for your daily quiet time.
This Week's Passage — Revelation 21:22 – 22:5
22 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Ch. 22
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
Lectio Divina
“It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” — Matthew 4:4 (NIV)
As we mentioned last week, 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 increase 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.
So, settle into a quiet spot once again. As you begin, 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 passage 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 21:23-25 (NIV): The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.
- Meditate
- Slowly, carefully re-read the passage out loud. Reflect on the words that God highlighted to you and ponder how He is leading you.
- Pray
- Read the passage 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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