By Bill Gaultiere © 2010
People often ask us what Scripture passages are good to use for Lectio Divina? Generally, a story from the Gospels or a Psalm work quite well. But all of the Bible is fruitful for meditation and prayer!
In 2010 I enjoyed reading through the Gospel of Mark, one passage at a time, using Lectio Divina. I filled up a journal with my sense of how God was speaking into my life. What a treasure this is for me to have this record of my journey with the Lord!
Kristi and I also use Lectio Divina in the Soul Shepherd Groups we lead for pastors, pastors’ wives, and other ministry leaders. God always uses this to bring spiritual growth and community bonding.
It’s best to be mentored in the discipline of Lectio Divina and to do it on your own before trying to lead others in this practice. In my article you can learn more about the ancient practice of Lectio Divina.
When we lead Lectio Divina for a group we pray for God to guide us to a passage of Scripture that relates to the purpose of the group, what members might need to learn, or the ministry that group needs to do.
It’s helpful when leading Lectio Divina for a group to provide the passage and questions on a handout. See my example.
Some Bible Passages and their Themes for Lectio Divina
Here are some favorite Scripture texts that we’ve used when leading groups in Lectio Divina during seminars, retreats, small group meetings, or staff meetings:
Genesis 12:1-9: Going on Pilgrimage in the Faith of Abraham
Genesis 18:1-14: The Manifestation of the Trinity Brings New Life
Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd
Psalm 27: One Thing I Ask
Psalm 42: Panting for God like a Thirsty Deer in the Desert (for the Dark Night of the Soul)
Psalm 46: Be Still and Know
Psalm 63: Longing for God
Psalm 84: Singing with the Sparrow
Psalm 91: Finding Shelter in God
Psalm 131: Like a Child in the Lord’s Arms
Isaiah 30:15-21: In Quietness and Trust
Matthew 11:25-30: Come to Jesus (especially good in The Message version)
Matthew 17:1-13: Transfiguration in Small Groups
Mark 5:21-43: Desperate for Jesus!
Mark 6:30-44: Out of the Quiet Jesus’ Feeds Multitudes
Mark 16:1-8: The Resurrected Christ Goes Ahead of You
Luke 1:26-38: The Immaculate Conception (Especially Good for Advent)
Luke 5:1-11: Becoming Jesus’ Disciple
Luke 6:12-20: Jesus Chooses Leaders to Launch the God Dream
John 3:1-8: The Spirit Wind Gives New Life
John 4:4-26: Drink the Living Water
John 5:1-15: Jesus Heals an Invalid
John 6:1-15: Little is a Lot when you Put it in Jesus’ Hands
John 7:14-19, 23-24, 28-29, 37-39: Thirst for Jesus
John 10:3b-5, 9b-15: Listening to the Good Shepherd
John 12:1-8: Anointing Jesus’ Feet
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-10; 12:1-3: Joining Abraham’s Pilgrimage of Faith
More Soul Shepherding
My short article, “How to Begin Lectio Divina” will help you to get started in using this delightful way of meditating on passages from the Bible.
“Lectio Divina” is a longer article that gives teaching from the Bible on this ancient spiritual discipline and why it is so helpful. Also I teach you how to use Lectio Divina in small groups.
Your tax deductible donation to Soul Shepherding supports this website and enables us to provide spiritual care and guidance to the pastors, pastors’ wives, missionaries, and leaders who care for others. Ministry leaders experience tremendous stress and often cannot afford the help that they need.Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org
