Our weekly Monday Psalms are certainly examples of “hearing God;” as well as encouragements to help us do so with more regularity. But over the next couple of weeks, we invite you to join in any one of several practices to help us better “hear God” in everyday life and to look for Monday Psalms to return in September.
This Lectio practice is adapted from the one found in Hearing God on pages 131-133. In this section of the book, Dallas Willard is describing “the still, small voice” of the human spirit through which God addresses his children. He describes this way in which God speaks as, “God addressing us in our own spirits—our own thoughts and feelings toward ourselves as well as toward events and people around us.”
In prefacing this practice, the editors also suggest that we should note, “that a great part of having the mind of Christ is about working together with God in shared activity. Co-laborers easily share thoughts with little effort because they are focused on the same people, tasks, and goals.”
Having the descriptions of the “still, small voice,” and the “mind of Christ,” handy, will help you settle into the scriptural passages for today in a more informed manner.
PREPARATION:
IMPORTANT: Try to make sure you have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is okay! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer, it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
PRACTICE:
READ
Read the passages slowly.
Man’s spirit is the lamp of Yahweh [candle of the LORD], searching his deepest self. (Prov. 20:27)
as it is written,
‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who
love him’—
these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this with words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. ‘For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?’ But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:9-16)
Now that you are familiar with the context and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today. If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, immersing yourself in that particular encounter. Remember, those who lived this experience felt very much as you would if you had been in their place. As you read,
Listen for a word or phrase or a detail in the story that stands out to you. Don’t choose this yourself, let the Spirit bring it to your mind.
Do not choose this yourself. Let the Spirit bring it to you. Even if you don’t like it, try to welcome it with humility (it’s key!)and see what happens.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to ponder the questions and listen quietly.
REFLECT
Read the passage again, slowly. As you reflect on the passage, consider the following:
The word or phrase that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
Give yourself 3-5 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How does this connect with my life today? What do I need to know or be or do?”
RESPOND
Read the passage one last time, preparing yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you as you imagined being in the story.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or confess to God something or ask God for something.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST
Do as you are led for the last 5 minutes. You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus. You may want to pay attention to God, pondering: what God does in these passages and what we do, or where God was in this passage (close or distant?, open or detached?), or what about God makes you marvel, or least be with him? Sit in the companionship of God—the one who seeks you and is glad to do so.