Encountering God in Scripture: Lectio Divina on Isaiah 22:1,2

Read Isaiah 22:1,2

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me,

So far from my cries of anguish?

My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,

By night, but I find no rest.

(NIV)

 

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.