Spiritual Practices: Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, or Diving Reading, is a method of reading, reflecting on, and praying the Scripture that has been used by the church for centuries. It focuses on communing with God in Scripture rather than simply studying Scripture for intellectual understanding. Click here for more information on how to practice Lectio Divina. Here are some suggested verses in this passage that may lend themselves to conversation with God through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Suggested Verses
Lord, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
(Psalm 85:1-3)
Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
(Psalm 85:4-7)
Lectio Divina, or Diving Reading, is a method of reading, reflecting on, and praying the Scripture that has been used by the church for centuries. It focuses on communing with God in Scripture rather than simply studying Scripture for intellectual understanding. Click here for more information on how to practice Lectio Divina. Here are some suggested verses in this passage that may lend themselves to conversation with God through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Suggested Verses
Lord, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah
You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.
(Psalm 85:1-3)
Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!
Will you be angry with us forever?
Will you prolong your anger to all generations?
Will you not revive us again,
that your people may rejoice in you?
Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
(Psalm 85:4-7)
Exploring the Text: Praying for our World
What a crazy world that we live in today. Covid-19 still abounds. Inflation is at an all time high. There are forest fires on one end of the country and floods on the other. All of this makes for agricultural shortages. Add in manufacturing shortages and worker shortages and we have a real disaster. As this world continues, we continue to see decline. The studious Bible reader can see end time prophecies being fulfilled right before their eyes.
What can the everyday Christian do in the midst of all this mess? After all, it is not like an individual can stop world wide events from taking place. We also cannot put an end to the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. Certain things are going to happen, but there is something you can do!
PRAY. Pray for your world. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Pray for your family, your church, your community, your state, your country, and lastly your world.
Psalm 85 is a prayer of restoration for Israel. The writer starts by remembering the blessings of God in the past. God had forgiven the people, turning away from His wrath toward them. Verses 4-7 get to the heart of the matter. The Psalmist asks God to, once again, restore the people. He asks for salvation, God to turn away from judgment, and a revival in the people. Verse 8 is a statement of faith that God has heard and will speak peace unto the people.
As I read this Psalm, I cannot help but think of where we are today. Our world and our country needs salvation like never before! As you and others pray, God will move upon your request. You can do your part to see souls saved and a revival of morals to peoples lives.
How exciting!! Let’s pray.
Rick Heinrich
What a crazy world that we live in today. Covid-19 still abounds. Inflation is at an all time high. There are forest fires on one end of the country and floods on the other. All of this makes for agricultural shortages. Add in manufacturing shortages and worker shortages and we have a real disaster. As this world continues, we continue to see decline. The studious Bible reader can see end time prophecies being fulfilled right before their eyes.
What can the everyday Christian do in the midst of all this mess? After all, it is not like an individual can stop world wide events from taking place. We also cannot put an end to the fulfillment of Biblical prophecies. Certain things are going to happen, but there is something you can do!
PRAY. Pray for your world. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Pray for your family, your church, your community, your state, your country, and lastly your world.
Psalm 85 is a prayer of restoration for Israel. The writer starts by remembering the blessings of God in the past. God had forgiven the people, turning away from His wrath toward them. Verses 4-7 get to the heart of the matter. The Psalmist asks God to, once again, restore the people. He asks for salvation, God to turn away from judgment, and a revival in the people. Verse 8 is a statement of faith that God has heard and will speak peace unto the people.
As I read this Psalm, I cannot help but think of where we are today. Our world and our country needs salvation like never before! As you and others pray, God will move upon your request. You can do your part to see souls saved and a revival of morals to peoples lives.
How exciting!! Let’s pray.
Rick Heinrich