On Sunday morning, Renee led us in a Lectio Divina reflection of Psalm 22:1-5 (NLT). When you practice Lectio Divina, you read a Scripture passage multiple times, expecting God to speak directly to you through the text.
You can use the guide below to pray through the scripture on your own or with your small group. In between each reading, pause and reflect on the prompt that’s given.
Take a moment to be still before the Lord.
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.
They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
Take a moment to be silent.
As you read the passage a second time, pay attention to a word or phrase, or something in the passage that you feel the Spirit speaking to you.
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.
They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
What word or phrase stood out for you? How might this word or phrase speak into your life?
Take a moment to be silent.
Now as you read the passage a third time, listen for God’s invitation. He is always inviting us in some way: to let go of something or to take up something, to do something or be something…
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.
They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
Listen for how God is calling you to respond.
Take a moment to be silent.
For this final reading of the passage, you are simply invited to be with the Lord and rest in His Presence. Listen for how the Lord wants to bless you.
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them.
They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.
Pray to close– perhaps a simple "Thank You, Lord" or a blessing that’s meaningful to you.
Take a moment to be silent.