Week 2
Lectio Divina, a prayerful way of reading Scripture that invites us to slow down and listen for God’s voice. This practice is not about reading more, but about reading with presence. There is no right or wrong way to do this; the invitation is simply to come, to listen, and to receive. There are four parts: Read, Think, Pray, and Rest. Follow this pattern each day as you settle into the passage.
READ
Read the verses slowly, savoring the words in quietness. Read them a second time (aloud if possible), listening for a word, phrase, or verse that stands out. Jot it down.
THINK
Now take that word, phrase, or verse and sit with it.
Questions to consider:
What does this tell me about God? About myself? About others?
Why might this stand out to me now, at this time in my life?
PRAY
This is a time to commune with God.
Questions to consider:
Lord, what do you want to say to me from this passage?
Lord, what do you want me to do in response to this passage?
When you sense God speaking—or stirring your heart—write it down.
REST
In this final step, simply rest in God’s presence. Words aren’t necessary, but feel free to offer gratitude or love to the Lord. Breathe deeply, settle your soul, and wait on God.
Receive His love.
As you finish, you may want to write a response to the Lord..
1 Corinthians 7:12-22
12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. 13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. 16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
Concerning Change of Status
17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave.