We’re trying to be both experimental and ancient-future with our Contxt bible study. This week we’re examining Luke 6, and one practice I’d like to use is Lectio Divina (or a modified form of it). We’d like to have a repertoire of practices to engage a biblical text, so it isn’t so much work to plan something unique each week.
What other practices have you heard of or used for engaging the scriptures in a small group?
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In addition to a group Lectio Divina, I like the Ignatian practice of placing ourselves into a scene, and imagining using all 5 senses to connect with the scene.
For example, you’re reading the story of Christ’s birth, and imagining the manger scene. How does the sheep bleating and the baby’s crying impact you? How shocking would it be, to a newly incarnate Jesus, to have his first smell be a nose filled with the aroma of cow manure?
The practice of silence is something I would recommend. I suppose that sounds odd, but with the hustle and bustle of life many of us have forgotten how to be still. Soothing images are used in conjunction with the silence — such as candles, dim lighting, and a cross. This works well in groups and is very spiritually refreshing, however many people have an aversion to silence. An outline is a good thing to provide, intertwined with a soothing voice reading scripture in between periods of silence. This helps people focus on being in God’s presence and learning stillness. This helps new people not freak out, too. The typical American tolerates about 4 seconds of silence before they feel they need to talk. So reference points help invite new people and provide bearings for regulars.
–Peace in Christ