Encountering God in Scripture: lectio divina on Jeremiah 29: 11-14

Read Jeremiah 29: 11-14:

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord.

 

 

Now read it again, slowly (lectio). Ask God to highlight a word or phrase for you to concentrate on.

Stay with your word or phrase (meditatio). You may wish to repeat it silently to yourself. Allow the word to speak to you. You may find the word arouses different emotions in you; let them come. Stay in silence with your word or phrase for a few minutes.

Now, as you feel able, respond to God from what you have experienced (oratio). You may want to express yourself in words; you may want to write or draw something in response; you may want to move or dance to express what you are feeling; you may want to just allow your emotions to express something to God.

Finally, allow yourself to rest in the presence of your Holy, Loving Creator (contemplatio). Stay in silence with whatever you have experienced. Allow God’s love for you to hold you.