Welcome & Introduction Key Question: How do I study God s Word to me? Key Idea: I study the Bible to know God and his truth and to find direction for my daily life. Key Verse: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Old Testament Story Jot down a few details or questions that popped out at you from the story, or any emotions you are feeling, having just heard the story: New Testament Story Jot down a few details or questions that popped out at you from the story, or any emotions you are feeling, having just watched the story: 1
The following story is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Joshua, and can also be found in the Believe: Student Edition Bible. OLD TESTAMENT STORY SCRIPT After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses aide: Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates all the Hittite country to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: Go through the camp and tell the people, Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own. 1 1 Joshua 1:1 11 2
LECTIO DIVINA 2 INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Text Use the Bible verses supplied as your text for today s practice of Lectio Divina. 2. Preparation Spread out across the room and try to remove as many distractions as possible. Do your best to remain silent but attentive during the practice. Choose a posture that will help you experience God s presence. 3. Reading/Listening When you feel that your heart is prepared, slowly read the Bible verses. As you read, pay attention to what word, phrase, or idea catches your eye. 4. Meditation Now, begin to meditate on the word, phrase, or idea that captured your attention. Repeat it again and again. As you read it over and over, notice what thoughts come to mind. What are you reminded of in your own life? What does it make you hope for? (Meditation isn t always easy! Don t be disappointed if random thoughts enter your head. As they do, simply offer them to God and try to return your focus to the words or phrases you re concentrating on.) 5. Prayer Begin to talk to God. Tell God what word, phrase, or idea captured your attention and what things came to mind as you meditated upon it. Tell God what you have been thinking and feeling as you ve listened and meditated. Tell God how you hope this word, phrase, or idea will change your heart to be more like God s. 6. Contemplation Finish by focusing your attention on the fact that God s presence is with you. If, while focusing on God s presence, you sense a need to read the text again, to continue meditating, or to simply continue talking with God, allow yourself to do so. As you do, know that you are in the presence of God. 2 This guided student version is adapted from the Lectio Divina process found on the website http://marshill.org/pdf/sp/practiceslectiodivina.pdf, made available by Mars Hill Bible Church. 3
BIBLE VERSES: Psalm 23:1 6 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 4
THIS WEEK: Explore more stories from Chapter 13: BIBLE STUDY in the Believe: Student Edition Bible that demonstrate how people throughout the Bible have studied God s Word, memorized it, and used in their lives to draw closer to God. Remember that memorizing is not about repeating but about recalling. If you recall certain words from the Key Verse, you can find the other words that fit them together. On the back of your handout write the verse down, then go back over and retrace the important words of the verse. Highlight them with your pen. Repeat this activity several times this week, to see if you can recall the entire verse from memory. 5