Listen for the voice of the Living Word as you read, consider, and pray with the written Word of God. As you do, you come to know God in a deeper way, and allow Holy Spirit to transform you (Rom. 8:29, 2 Cor 3:18).

Prepare: Ask for God’s guidance and protection.  May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14 NLT).

Read: Read a brief passage slowly, out loud, two or three times; allow God to draw you toward a word or phrase that stands out; focus your attention there. “Study this Book continually. Meditate on it day and night” (Josh. 1:8 NLT).

Consider:  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Col. 3:16 ESV). Think about this word or phrase; chew on it. Where else does it appear in Scripture? What does it mean, here? What does this word lead you to think about in your own life and ministry? Do you sense excitement? Confusion? Hesitation? Assurance? What do you notice? Notice what you think and feel.

Pray:  Invite God into your consideration. Ask what God wants you to draw from this word or phrase—how God wants you to be, or what God calls you to do. Tell God what you’ve been thinking and noticing, then listen for God’s response. May the LORD speak to you “face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Ex. 33:11 NLT).

Rest: Near the end of your time, let go of the words. “Be still, and know that I am God!” (Psalm 46:10 NLT). Rest in quiet awareness of God’s presence, listening for    further response.

Give Thanks: Offer thanks to the Triune One for the precious gifts of Word, Spirit, and relationship.

Share and Discern: Regularly meet with others who also seek God’s guidance and transformation.

Obey: Act in obedience to what Holy Spirit has shown you through your dwelling in the Word.

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