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
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:5-7)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
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
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:5-7)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
Living out the Text: Welcoming others
Have you ever not been welcome? Even among believers?
My husband and I found the Lord in 2010. In 2012, we moved to a small town tucked away in the mountains. He worked long hours, and we had two small children. We’d left a Christian community that offered a lot of support to us as younger Christians and I was incredibly lonesome. I found the largest church with the most children and opportunities for friendship. As was my nature at the time, I wanted to jump right into serving. I signed up for everything - nursery, Awanas, Sunday School, VBS, a toddler group, and cleaning.
There came a time when there was a meeting about how many children would be allowed into a youth program - the church was having a hard time accommodating the large number of children interested. I jumped right in, proudly stating that if God brought the children, He’d also provide the space.
I was young, pretentious, and opinionated. So far, I’d had a difficult time connecting with anyone in the church; but this statement, officially made me ‘that girl.’ I was slowly pushed out of the groups I’d longed to serve and connect in.
My heart hurt and I was embarrassed and ashamed. I learned a lesson in speaking less, listening more - the group wasn’t asking me to announce God’s power, but provide real solutions. Which I understand now, but at the time, I was humiliated and confused.
When I read Romans 15:7, “Therefore welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you, for the Glory of God”, I’m reminded of my experience in that church. I remember how much it hurt to not be included. I learned how important it is to be welcoming to others, even, or especially, when we find them difficult. This Scripture is a good reminder to love and welcome everyone who is willing to come into connection with us.
Amanda Cunningham
Have you ever not been welcome? Even among believers?
My husband and I found the Lord in 2010. In 2012, we moved to a small town tucked away in the mountains. He worked long hours, and we had two small children. We’d left a Christian community that offered a lot of support to us as younger Christians and I was incredibly lonesome. I found the largest church with the most children and opportunities for friendship. As was my nature at the time, I wanted to jump right into serving. I signed up for everything - nursery, Awanas, Sunday School, VBS, a toddler group, and cleaning.
There came a time when there was a meeting about how many children would be allowed into a youth program - the church was having a hard time accommodating the large number of children interested. I jumped right in, proudly stating that if God brought the children, He’d also provide the space.
I was young, pretentious, and opinionated. So far, I’d had a difficult time connecting with anyone in the church; but this statement, officially made me ‘that girl.’ I was slowly pushed out of the groups I’d longed to serve and connect in.
My heart hurt and I was embarrassed and ashamed. I learned a lesson in speaking less, listening more - the group wasn’t asking me to announce God’s power, but provide real solutions. Which I understand now, but at the time, I was humiliated and confused.
When I read Romans 15:7, “Therefore welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you, for the Glory of God”, I’m reminded of my experience in that church. I remember how much it hurt to not be included. I learned how important it is to be welcoming to others, even, or especially, when we find them difficult. This Scripture is a good reminder to love and welcome everyone who is willing to come into connection with us.
Amanda Cunningham