09/07/2026
You are invited to spend some time in Lectio Divina with Job 38:1-7, 40:1-5, 42:2-6, read from the New Living Translation (included below). When you are ready, carve out some time in a quiet place free of distractions and feast on God’s Word.
1. READING (LECTIO): In this first step, slowly read through your selected passage of Scripture. Take your time. Make sure you’re absorbing the words in front of you. Is there a word or phrase or verse that surfaces for you as you read? Take note of it.
2. REFLECTING (MEDITATIO): After your first read through the passage, read it again with the intent of reflecting. This second time through, let the words interact with your thoughts, feelings, and your life circumstances—past, present, and future. The image used in antiquity to describe this step is that of the cow chewing its cud. Read. Reflect. And then, when you’re ready, move to the third step.
3. RESPONDING (ORATIO): The third time of reading through the passage is for response. You might be moved to praise, adoration, or giving thanks. You might respond to pray for someone using the Scripture at hand. Is there a word or phrase the Spirit brought to your attention on your first read-through? Consider responding to it.
4. RESTING (CONTEMPLATIO): The fourth step in Lectio Divina may be the hardest for modern people. As you read through this passage once more, focus on resting in God’s presence. You don’t need to do anything. Just BE. The stillness can be uncomfortable for some, and you might be tempted to cut your time short. But with practice, this step becomes easier and even more enriching.
JOB 38:1-7, 40:1-5, 42:2-6, NLT
(38:1)Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:
(2)“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?
(3)Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.
(4)“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much.
(5)Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line?
(6)What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone (7)as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?
(40:1)Then the Lord said to Job,
(2)“Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”
(3)Then Job replied to the Lord,
(4)“I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand.
(5)I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”
(42:1)Then Job replied to the Lord:
(2)“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.
(3)You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.
(4)You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’
(5)I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
(6)I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”
