Lectio Divina on Isaiah 9:1-7

​Lectio Divina:
“Spiritual Reading (lectio divina) is the ancient practice of savoring a text with patient playfulness. This way of reading is alert with expectation that a transforming word of life will make its way from the written narrative of the author to the lived narrative of the reader.” from Weavings Journal 
Lectio Divina has four movements: reading, reflecting, responding, and resting 
Quiet your Soul 
The first step of the lectio is to Be still and invite God to open your heart and mind to understanding. Take a few deep breaths to relax your body and connect your whole being. 
So get comfortable, whether that is sitting up or lying down. A soft focus or eyes closed. Breath in for a count of 4-hold for a count of 4-release for a count of 4-hold for a count of four.
Repeat. 
Be Still and Know that I am God.
Be Still and Know that I am.
Be Still and Know.
Be Still.
Be. 
 
 
1. The first time I read the passage, 
 
*Listen for a word or phrase that “shimmers,” beckons, addresses you, stirs you, unnerves you, disturbs you, brings up a memory. Linger whenever you are “moved or touched” by a word or phrase.. Repeat it a few times. Allow it sink into your heart and mind. 
 
*Focus on that word or phrase. Repeat it a few times to yourself. Allow it to sink into your heart and mind (ruminatio)
 
Read the passage.  
Isaiah 9: 2-6
The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
    on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 
 
*Is there a word or phrase that came up for you? Write it down or hold onto that word or phrase as we move into the second reading. 
 
2. The passage is read aloud another time where we ponder and savor our word.
 
*As you say the word or phrase to yourself is there a feeling or image that arises in you? 
Do images, thoughts, memories come to mind?
Approach this with wonder and curiosity...I wonder what God has in mind...
Ask God to speak to you through this word, and continue to explore, pay attention, and listen for the reply. How does this text speak to my experience?
What is this text saying to me? 
READ THE PASSAGE
Isaiah 9: 2-6
The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
    on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 
 
 
* Is there a feeling or image that arose in you? Write that down or hold onto that image or feeling as we move into the third reading.
 
3. The passage is read a final time.
 
*Attend to the way this word/phrase, feeling/image connects with the context and
situation of your life right now. How does it relate to what is happening at home, at work, in your leisure time, in your community, in the world? Has your prayer awakened a desire in you? Hold up feelings, discoveries, joys, and anguish to God (prayers of adoration and confession may occur here). 
Is there an area of your life that needs some attention? Do you sense an invitation to a new action? Perhaps you find you are grateful for something and you wish to express that gratitude.
Whatever you sense do not rush the prayer. Continue to wait and listen as God forms your prayer and desire in your heart. 
 
*We will take an extended time of exploring this connection (which you can do in thought, in your journal, in art, in movement, you can speak it or write it). Continue to listen in silence.
 
Isaiah 9: 2-6
The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
    on them light has shined.
3 You have multiplied the nation,
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as people exult when dividing plunder.
4 For the yoke of their burden,
    and the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors
    and all the garments rolled in blood
    shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 
 
In this final phase of the prayer, the conversation with God draws to a close. 
Having heard a word from God and having expressed your response to that word, you now allow yourself to rest in silence. 
Allow your mind to settle. Become silent, tranquil, at peace with God. Receive God’s Love.
Rest in God’s embrace.