The Psalms are the open book on the soul. Meditation, worship, and prayers–reflecting pain and celebration are all a part of its expression. To enter into the Psalms as a community (in the small group setting of New Tribes or in your personal study) we are inviting Terra Nova to gather together around these few chapters of poetry using this ancient form of study—the LECTIO DIVINA::sacred reading.

The church fathers initiated-and later monastics developed-this way of entering into Scripture as a dialogue with God. To hear “with the ears of the heart” is how Benedict described this simple, yet profound four step process to his monks.

Reading with open heart, slowly and with desire to hear from God as He speaks to the soul.

Reflecting on the text. It may include repeating a line or words. It is a slow focus where the Spirit connects our mind, heart, and life circumstances to the Word.

Speaking back to God in prayer what we have encountered. We share with our Beloved Father our journey.

Resting in God as He seals in us what we have heard, ruminated on, and spoke about.

This is done in quiet and restful time and place. It walks and lives with us as we leave the calm of reflective reading and continue in our lives. We encourage you to try this method of reading during the Psalms series and see if you don’t notice more of God’s word than you might have in the past.

And for those who are reading ahead, here is the breakdown for the series::

June 10- Psalm 1

June 17- Psalm 27

June 24- Psalms 42-43

July 1- Psalm 51

July 8- Psalm 119

July 15- Psalm 139

July 22- Psalm 150