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 1:17-25

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
 the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.