As we learn to read Scripture through practices like Lectio Divina and cultivate awareness of God’s presence throughout the day, another ancient practice helps bring these two realities together. It is the practice of carrying God’s Word with us beyond our devotional time and into the ordinary moments of daily life. Throughout the history of the Church, believers have discovered that Scripture has a unique ability to shape the heart when it is not only read, but remembered, reflected upon, and returned to throughout the day.
This practice is sometimes called ruminatio, a word that describes the slow and repeated reflection upon Scripture. Rather than reading a passage and immediately moving on, we carry a verse, phrase, or passage with us. We return to it during the day. We think about it, pray through it, and allow it to accompany us in our work, conversations, and decisions. In this way, God’s Word becomes more than information we receive. It becomes nourishment that continues to feed our hearts long after we have finished reading.
The goal is not memorization for its own sake, although Scripture memory can certainly be a helpful part of the practice. The goal is to allow God’s Word to remain present and active within us. As we revisit a passage throughout the day, we often begin to notice things we missed before. A verse may take on new significance in a particular situation. A promise may bring encouragement during a difficult moment. A command may gently guide our response to a challenge. Over time, Scripture begins to shape not only what we know, but how we think, respond, and live.
On the Christian Practices website, the Living Word resources are designed to help you develop this simple but transformative rhythm. The invitation is not to add another task to your day, but to allow God’s Word to remain with you as a companion throughout it. As you continue this journey, you may discover that Scripture is not only something you visit during a devotional time, but something that walks with you throughout the day, continually drawing your attention back to God and His presence in your life.
Steve Lawes serves as the lead pastor of Keys Vineyard Church, founder of the Online Bible Institute Network, and leads the Christian Practices initiative through Tower of Praise, Inc. His heart is to help people grow in a steady and authentic relationship with God through simple, accessible rhythms of Scripture, prayer, and spiritual formation.
