Spiritual Practices: Sacred Reading

The practice of Sacred Reading is one of the most common Spiritual Disciplines. You might hear something like this called Devotional Reading, or Bible Reading, or having a Quiet Time. All these terms get at the same thing -- reading Scripture and allowing God's word to really soak into you. It's very similiar to Bible Study, except in Sacred Reading, you are reading Scripture not primarily to search for facts, but to hear from God. Sacred Reading not only involves reading the Bible, but also involves keeping up a conversation with God in prayer.

Scripture reference: Read in your Bible, or Psalm 119:10-16 at Bible Gateway

You can incorporate Sacred Reading into your normal daily routine, as an interlude between times of more in-depth Bible study, or at special times with your small group or Running Partner. When reading the Bible devotionally, your focus in not necessarily on what concepts you can learn, what Bible characters you can better discover, nor what facts you can pick up -- it is on listening to what God is saying through His word and responding to it.

Sacred reading is perhaps a less involved approach than some of the study methods you're familiar with. You won't need a highlighter or reference books -- just a Bible and a quiet space. As you read Scritpure, think of it, and pray about it, you are given an opportunity to hear God in a different way than you normally experience in your hectic life. Reading this way isn't always easy; it requires you really to settle yourself before God and re-focus yourself when your mind wanders.

There are different approaches to Sacred Reading, but all generally involve picking a short passage of Scripture (the Psalms are a great place to start), and reading and praying about it. One approach is called "Read, Think, Pray, Live." Check out this website for more information. (click the read, think, pray, live titles at the top to view other sections)

Access resource: readthinkpraylive.com

Or, check out this handout we created to help you understand the Read, Think, Pray, Live concept of Sacred Reading.

Access resource: Read, Think, Pray, Live exercise

Another approach is Lectio Divina (pronounced le'x-ee-o dih-vee-nah) - it means holy or sacred reading. The concept has been around for centuries (which is clear when you notice the latin phrases that describe it). It's a way to approach the Bible devotionally. The Bible, as God's inspired word is living and active, and has something to say to each Christ-follower. Lectio Divina is an approach to help you hear what God is saying. The article linked here from Discipleship Journal is a good introduction. For more info, you might pick up one of the many books that metion it. "The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life" or "Pray" both by Tony Jones are both good resources on this subject.

Access resource: Introducing Lectio Divina

Sacred Reading about Relationships: One Another Activity

The Bible contains many instructions regarding "one another:" love one another, encourage one another, etc. This tool starts you on a week-long spiritual practice of sacred reading. You'll read a Scripture passage in the morning, and chew on it in different ways throughout the day. (options are included to extend the exercise to additonal weeks).

Access resource: One Another exercise

Sacred Reading when you feel despair: Scripture passages

If you are feeling despair or hopelessness, try a Sacred Reading practice with these passages: Psalm 23, Psalm 37.

Sacred Reading when you feel tempted: Scripture passages

Here are some possible passages to use in Sacred Reading, when facing temptation: Proverbs 1:10-17 or Psalm 73. Choose a passage and approach it with a Sacred Reading practice.

See related Way of Christ category pages: Bible

See related Way of Christ category pages: Discipline of Bible Study