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 9:19-27
Paul’s Use of His Freedom
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
The Need for Self-Discipline
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.