The Lord is My Shepherd … Divine Reading for a Sacred Journey!

During two recent women’s retreats at which I spoke, I used a spiritual exercise called Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase that means “Divine Reading.” It is also called Sacred Scripture Reading. I have found this practice is a wonderful way to connect the heart as well as the head to Bible reading. (I used Lectio Divina last winter when I was doing an inductive study of the book of Romans, and for me, it complimented that fact-based study.)  

Some of the women at the retreats had used this practice before, but to others it was new. I decided to share it with you who read my Listening on the Journey … blog, using Psalm 23:1-4 from the New Living Translation.

In case you want to try this spiritual exercise:

The first time through, read the words slowly. Notice how you’re feeling in your body. What types of emotional reactions are you experiencing, or what thoughts are flitting through your head? (Note: The photos I am using were taken by my husband during our recent getaway to southwestern Montana.)

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

During the second reading, listen intentionally for a word or phrase that seems to jump out at you—or as my spiritual director likes to say, “shimmers” for you. 

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

Blessings on your sacred journey,

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