Taking the First Step

Reading is the first step.
It sounds like a no-brainer, but, our approach to contemplative reading involves some aspects that we are not ordinarily attuned to when we look into Scripture.
This doesn’t make the process extra complicated, but it does add dimension to the experience of encountering God through His Word.
The most important aspect of all is to realize and rely on the Holy Spirit’s crucial involvement in this practice. Through inspiration, the Holy Spirit influenced the biblical writers to the extent that what they wrote was God’s words. As important as inspiration is the Spirit’s work of illumination. God was present in the writing, and is also present and involved in the reading. This means that we have reason to rely on God to bring His truth to bear upon us as we read. The Spirit can and will make a precise impact on the soul that places itself before the Truth in humility.
This doesn’t happen with Shakespeare or Dostoevsky. Authors of the past don’t sit on our shoulder and coach us as we read their literature. We are kind of on our own. Contemplative reading takes us into a prayerful and living experience with God – even when nothing in particular happens – because we engage our faith and anticipate God’s assistance as we place ourselves as listener before Him.
We have to cultivate an attitude of reliance upon God to speak, to show, to point out, to bring to bear what is set before us.
More on this as we go. Let’s start listening:

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and rescues them.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.
“How blessed are those who take refuge in him.”
(Psalm 34:7, 8)

It occurs to me, as a rank amateur of contemplative reading, that this passage might be lengthy. As you get used to this kind of reading/prayer, you will find that brevity is powerful.

One three-word question will get you, or a group of you, started:

What struck you?

Richard Peace is careful to advise us to set up boundaries with care here. Just a word or a phrase. You don’t need to prattle out a thesis. Just a word or a phrase. Something may have stood out to you as you read it. If nothing in particular is prominent to you, spend some time enjoying the passage and focus on God.

Hold that thought, literally, until next time. Feel free to comment. Thanks.