Almost a year ago, a dear friend of mine told me about one of her spiritual disciplines. Maybe you’re asking yourself, “what are spiritual disciplines”? Simply put, spiritual disciplines are intentional practices that can help our spiritual growth. Prayer, meditation, fasting, solitude, service, and confession or truth telling are some examples of spiritual disciplines. These routines can provide greater opportunity for God’s transformative work in our lives. My friend explained to me that Ignatian Bible contemplation is a spiritual discipline in which you join Bible study and prayer together by placing yourself into the Biblical story.
The 16th century monk and founder of the Jesuit movement, Ignatius of Loyola developed and practiced this method of prayer. As you place yourself in a Biblical story, ask yourself how your life could be transformed if you encountered God in this story. For example, imagine the impact of hearing God say these words to you. “For you are God's masterpiece. He has created you anew in Christ Jesus, so you can do the good things He planned for you long ago." By placing yourself in the middle of this timeless conversational truth we can experience God’s presence in our life, knowing and growing more deeply connected to His plan.
This morning as I was reading Psalm 23, I practiced the Ignatius spiritual discipline.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” - I began to feel more content understanding that I have an amazing God who provides everything I need.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.” – I imagined myself resting in a peaceful setting. A place where God gives me peace and restoration.
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” – I sense God walking alongside me, daily directing my steps in a way that magnifies His name.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - My worry and anxious thoughts are comforted knowing my God goes before me ready to protect no matter what situation I find myself in.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows.” – I am overwhelmed by the grace and honor my Lord bestows on me as I receive all that He has for me. Abundantly beyond all I could ask or imagine". (Eph 3:20)
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – His promise to me brings hope not only in this world, but also into the eternal.
By practicing this spiritual discipline I emerge deeply encouraged, transformed, and ready to walk in what I just learned experientially through my time with the Lord. The Word of God takes on a different and exciting dimension as it encounters our God given imagination through the power of the Holy Spirit. As with all spiritual disciplines, Ignatian Bible contemplation can help provide a deeper connection with the Almighty, which can lead to a more joyful and fruitful life. I praise God for the many ways He allows us to know and experience His love.
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