Spiritual Reading 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

Lectio Divina – Spiritual Reading 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

A non fact-finding practice. A reception to what the text has to teach you. A slow dance between Scripture, God & Silence.

The meditation begins with a brief explanation of the practice.

1. Reading slowly.
2. Meditation-reflect on what its saying to me.
3. Prayer- What is my action or response?
4. Silent love or thankfulness towards God.

Join Hospice Spiritual Director and Pastor Ryan T. Schmidt for a session of Lectio Divina.

Transcript

Welcome to this Lexio Divina,

A practice of spiritual reading.

The roots of spiritual reflection and interpretation go back to the third century.

The monastic practice of Lexio Divina was first established in the sixth century by Saint Benedict and then was formalized as a four-step process during the 12th century.

The practice begins with reading and then meditation,

Prayer and contemplation.

I invite you to quiet your mind and open your heart to spirits moving through this short scripture.

Reading.

We will slowly read the scripture passage several times.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Meditation.

Take some time to reflect on the words and phrases in the text.

Which words,

Phrases,

Or images speak most to you?

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Prayer.

Offer an internalized package back to God in the form of a personalized prayer of adoration,

Confession,

Renewal,

Petition,

Intercession,

Affirmation,

Or thanksgiving.

You may want to write down this prayer in your prayer journal.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Contemplation.

What word or image captures the spirit of the passage for you?

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

1st John 4 18.

There is no fear in love but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment.

As we conclude our Lectio Divina practice,

Please take a few moments and quietly sit in the light of Christ's love.

Thank you.

Reviews

Thank you! It’s been a while since I’ve meditated on this powerful scripture... I needed this time with God and the word. ✨

Thanks, a new way to practice & experience God’s Love. Thank you.

Thank you. Your guidance and voice are soothing balm.

Lovely gentle practice thankyou

I am not a perfect lover. But I have perfect lovers in God and Jesus who can help drive away my fears so that I may love. Great meditation.

A subtle way to explore this modality of contemplation.

Very meaningful meditation based on scripture. Nothing could be more perfect.

Thank you. No fear in lovely

Lovely thank you

Perfect instruction to apply when reading the Bible. I have been told best to read a small portion, write thoughts & meditate. Never quite got it, always wanted to read, like a book. This was so helpful to me! I now know how to read a verse, contemplate, & pray. I am going to start this process this morning. Thank you for the clear , easy to understand teaching. So helpful!🙏💕

Thank you for this meditation and a new way to study. I've been addressing this exact concept and didn't even realize there was a Bible verse for it. The Bible is my foundation for my spiritual life, thank you for the validation of scripture.