Each Wednesday during Lent I'll introduce you to a simple, yet powerful, spiritual practice to help you meditate on the person and work of Jesus.
Here's a brief introduction to the fourth practice ... reading, studying and meditating on the Word of God.
The Practice
As you prepare to read, study, and meditate on the Scriptures, pray the following verses from Psalm 119.
Ps. 119:18: Open my eyes, that I may see
wondrous things out of your law.
Ps. 119:97 How I love your law!
It is my meditation all day.
Ps. 119:25 My soul is laid low in the dust.
Revive me according to your word!
During the day ...
- read or listen to a portion of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Psalms1
- spend some time studying and reflecting on the Scriptures2
- memorize a portion of the Scriptures and then meditate on it throughout the day3
After hearing God’s Word, make a confession of your faith by saying the Apostle’s Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
And then say the following. Use them as daggers against the lies and deceit of the Evil One.
The Triune God has given me His Word …
in the flesh, incarnate in Jesus
in the Scriptures
in the Sacraments
and His Word cannot and does not lie. Amen!
1 You can choose to read through the Bible in a year, through the Psalms in a month, a book of the Bible, or a reading guide such as the Treasury of Daily Prayer.
2 You can use The Lutheran Study Bible (ESV)
3 I have found that there are three secrets to memorization … repeat, repeat, repeat. Also, choose portions of the Scripture that are “friends” and/or “daggers” (specific verses that comfort you in times of trial and fight for you against the unholy trinity).
- fight against the "unholy trinity"
- defend yourself with all of the promises of Jesus
- and receive all of the gifts that only the Triune God can give
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