Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Tony Jones' new book, Divine Intervention: Encountering God through the Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina, (Think Books, 2006). 

If you’re looking for a fresh message from God’s Word, you may discover it through an old practice: lectio divina (“sacred reading”). This ancient way of approaching Scripture can be a powerful way for you to tap into what God wants to tell you today.

Here’s how you can use the ancient practice of lectio divina to discover new messages from God:

* Expect the Bible to change your life. Recognize that the Bible does much more than other materials you read. Know that it doesn’t just inform and entertain; it also has the power to transform you from the inside out. Know that the Bible is unique among books because its words are living and active. Expect God to use the Bible to change your life in exciting ways.

* Understand that the same passage of Scripture has many layers of meaning. Realize that there’s always more you can learn from any single passage of Scripture. Know that Scripture has literal, spiritual, allegorical, moral, and analogical meanings that can speak to you personally as the Holy Spirit guides you while you read.

* Know that praying Scripture is a powerful way of conversing with God. Invite God to lead you to what He truly wants to say to you by using His inspired words in Scripture. Understand that, if you read the Bible prayerfully, its timeless truths will reveal God’s timely messages to you in whatever situation you currently find yourself.

* Recognize the importance of listening. Understand the key to hearing from God is listening well. Learn how to be truly quiet. Practice eliminating distractions and unnecessary noise from your life. Expect God to speak to you if you make time to pay attention to His voice.

* Read (“lectio”). Set aside time dedicated to lectio divina: 10 minutes for reading, 5 minutes for meditation, 10 minutes for prayer, and 5 minutes for contemplation. Schedule it for the time of day or night that works best for you. Designate a quiet place to use. Make sure you’re not too hungry or tired, so you won’t be too distracted. Choose a just a few verses of Scripture to use for devotional reading; remember that you want a small taste of Scripture to savor for an extended period of time. Experiment with passages of from different parts of the Bible, and ones that are both familiar and unfamiliar to you. If you’re having trouble choosing passages, consider using a lectionary (a list of Scripture passages that follows the church calendar), and using the assigned reading for the current date. Read your chosen passage slowly, over and over, to let it sink in. Read both silently and out loud. Focus only on the words themselves, without trying to figure out what they mean. Simply absorb the passage. If your mind wanders, just gently return to your reading and continue. Relax and receive the passage as a gift from God to you.