Lectio Divina: Ask

Season 1 Episode 23

Using the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (or sacred reading), listen for God's invitation for you today in Ruth 3:11. If you would like to explore this passage further see pages 86-87 of Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit. For what do you ask today? 

Transcript

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Hi, I'm Whitney R. Simpson and you're listening to Exploring Peace Meditations. Take a few moments to settle in and place your phone on Do Not Disturb. No matter where you may find yourself, take a moment to purposefully pause with a dose of peace and calm for your breath, body, and spirit, as we seek to explore the peace God offers us each and every day. Today's meditation invites us into the practice of Lectio Divina, sacred or divine reading. We'll listen to a scripture passage and I'll prompt you with questions to ponder in the silence. So just allow yourself to settle in your body first. Notice full deep breaths. And try to relax any tightness where you may be holding on, maybe between the eyes or in the jaw, at the shoulders or hips. Just soften into your body a little bit more. The first time you hear this passage, simply listen. It's from Ruth chapter three, verse eleven. Now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all that you ask. For all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman. Reflect. Consider a word that might be for you a phrase, an image? Is this woman you? Is it a loved one? What stands out to you as you hear this today for you in this moment? What do you hear? What do you see? What do you sense? In the silence, consider repeating that word or phrase to yourself silently, or just meditate on the image you receive. Now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all that you ask, for all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman. And this time respond. Respond to what you hear in God's Word and how it makes you feel. Is there an invitation for you? Is there an invitation for your breath, your body, your spirit? Tell God in the silence what you hear, what you're noticing, what's nudging. You today. Respond to this passage. Now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all that you ask. For all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman. Rest in what you may have heard or noticed. Receive any clarity, stillness, insight, or imagery that has come to your mind. And have a grateful heart. Give thanks to God for this few minutes of resting in the word. Maybe your body takes a shape of a yoga posture or you consider this a short little shavasana. But rest in what you hear. Now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all that you ask. For all the assembly of my people know that you are a worthy woman. Stay here. Rest in God's word, or consider journaling what may have stood out to you as you listen today. Maybe in the moments that follow this meditation, you move to a time of prayer and you ask God for what you need today. Thank you for allowing me to be a companion on your journey. If you're longing for more as a peacekeeker, join our community online at exploringpeace.com. There you'll find additional soul care resources. You can also connect with me at Whitney Rsimpson.com. Until next time, may peace be with you.