The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. Jonah 1:1-3

Lectio Divina is a Latin phrase that means “Divine Reading.” It’s a methodology for reading scripture developed by St. Benedict designed to help the reader hear from Jesus through the scriptures. Lectio isn’t about studying the scriptures as much as it’s about learning to listen to the scriptures and to be attentive to the overtures of the Spirit as one reads.

Before you being reading, take a moment to stop and still yourself before God. Pay attention to the thoughts swirling in your head. Bring them before the Lord and lay them at his feet. Try to be attentive to his presence with you. Ask God to give you an openness to hear from the Spirit. Take as long as you need.

Read the passage slowly, allowing the words to resonate and settle in your heart. Enter into the scene in your imagination remembering it is a God-given gift. Envision the scene. Carefully watch the people. Listen to how they interact.

The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Question: As you picture the scene in your mind, what is something that stands out to you?

Read the passage slowly a second time. This time, also listen with the ear of your heart for a word, phrase, or detail of the story that rises to the surface or stands out to you. Let the Spirit bring it to you.

The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Question: What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you sense this word or phrase is standing out?

Read the same passage slowly one final time.

The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”
3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

Question: What do you sense Jesus’ invitation to you might be through this passage? Is there something you sense Jesus calling you to do in response to what he said to you through this passage?

By Ryan Paulson

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