Slow Reading, Reading Aloud

• Read through the passage slowly, word by word, out loud
• Pause quietly for a moment, focusing on and lingering over the words that stir something in your heart
• Repeat the above steps two or three times; you may also try inserting your own name into the passage as you read it aloud

Prayer

• Imagine yourself immersed in God's boundless love
• Pour out your heart's longings to God in this moment
• Ask Him to guide the meditation and reflection that follows

Meditation

Meditative Reflection: Like a cow chewing on grass, slowly chew on God's Word one word at a time. Move from "knowing" into "pondering," and then into "digesting" — sensing the faith, hope, love, and light that come from God.

Contemplative Imagination: Use your imagination to immerse yourself in the scene of the passage, engaging deeply through your five senses — taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing.

Outpouring

• During your meditation, notice what emotions or feelings arise most strongly within you
• Pour out these feelings to God — asking Him questions, offering thanks, and confessing sin as needed

Attentiveness

• Listen for what God is saying to you: What thoughts arise within your heart?
• What emotions are stirred within you?
• What new images or impressions come to mind?

Dialogue (Colloquy)

Linger a while longer with God, and talk with Him.

By: Rev. Zhang Qian, July 2021