a PDF file of the slides used in Session #3 of the "Shaping Spiritual Practices Program" seminar (SSPP) at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Tauranga, New Zealand on the 18th August 2014.

2. Session #3Session #3

3. “God invites us as we read the biblical text to
reflect in our reading, respond in our hearing
and seeing, rest by living in the text and
expecting it to live out of us . . . simply to be
progressively conformed to the Image of Christ
for the sake of others”
Session #3

4. God invites us as we read the biblical text to . . .
– reflect in our reading
– respond in our hearing and seeing
– rest by living in the text
– expect the text to live out of us
– be progressively conformed to the Image of
Christ for the sake of others

5. Our time together today . . .
Overture
Teaching – Bible reading and prayer
Praxis Activity – sampling Lectio Divina
Epilogue

6. Overture

7. Modelling Dynamics

8. Learning from Others
Most of our human behaviours are
learned observationally especially
through modelling.
As we observe others, fresh ideas are
formed of how new behaviours could
be performed. We “code and store
information,” so on later occasions our
coded (modelled) information serves
us as a guide in the developing desired
and fresh actions.

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGNiA2tyFLs

10. When Jesus called followers to . . .
“come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls”
(Matt.11:28-29)
He wasn’t calling them to detachment from religious pursuit,
or offering freedom from all constraints, but rather into
engagement with Himself uttered in the expression “my
yoke” - a metaphor for the discipline of discipleship.
Jesus’ call is to “engage modeled formation”

11. Modeling or vicarious learning as a
form of social learning is behavioural
acquisition that occurs by watching
the actions and outcomes of others’
behaviour. It is a process in which
observers pattern their thoughts,
beliefs, and behaviours, after those
displayed by one or more models.

12. “Christian spiritual discipline behaviours/actions are
learned observationally through modelling” . . .
We do this through reading, hearing about and observing . . .
– Biblical characters (especially Jesus)
– Key persons in Christian history
– Fellow Christian believers who are active and
influential in our spheres of life and fellowship.
As we observe others fresh ideas and concepts are formed
about how desired behaviours are performed, and can be
achieved in ways which are supportive of our own spiritual
formation.

13. In learning through modelling (observation)
there are four steps (or smaller
processes) . . .
1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Reproducing
4. Motivation

14. 1. Attention
a model is paid attention by a disciple.
2. Retention
the attended-elements become the subject of
retention or remembering.
3. Reproducing
The process of reproducing what has been retained
develops and repeats
4. Motivation
having good reason to imitate and incarnate

15. Attention
2 Timothy 1:5 I have been
reminded of your sincere
faith, which first lived in
your grandmother Lois and
in your mother Eunice and,
I am persuaded, now lives
in you also.

16. Retention
2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be
strong in the grace that is in
Christ Jesus. 2And the things you
have heard me say, see me do,
and learned in the presence of
many witnesses entrust to
reliable people, those who will
also be qualified to teach others

17. Reproducing
1 Timothy 4:12 Don't let anyone look
down on you because you are
young, but set an example for
the believers in speech, in life,
in love, in faith and in purity.
13Until I come, devote yourself
to the public reading of
Scripture, to preaching and to
teaching.

18. Motivation
2 Timothy 4:5 “ . . . keep your
head in all situations,
endure hardship, do the
work of an evangelist,
discharge all the duties of
your ministry.

19. 1. Attention
a model is paid attention by a disciple.
2. Retention
the attended-elements become the subject of
retention or remembering.
3. Reproducing
The process of reproducing what has been retained
develops and repeats
4. Motivation
having good reason to imitate and incarnate

20. Growing and learning through
modelling involves . . .
–Inspiration
–Intention
–Incarnation
–Impetus
. . . within the “Growee”

21. Bible Reading and Prayer

22. Lectio DivinaLectio Divina
Praying the ScripturesPraying the Scriptures
Lectio Divina, or “sacred readings,” is a
form of praying texts.
Although praying the Scriptures is the most
common form of lectio divina, it is also
possible to pray other texts, such as
poetry or devotional writings
The classical form of lectio divina has four components, but in his book Invitation to a
Journey M. Robert Mulholland adds introductory and concluding elements

23. Silencio – We prepare ourselves for spiritual reading by
engaging in a period of silence.
1. Lectio – We read the text thoughtfully and slowly,
engaging as many senses as possible.
2. Meditatio – In this step we reflect upon words or images
that especially speak to us based upon our reading.
3. Oratio – We respond to God based upon our reading and
pondering.
4. Contemplatio – We rest, simply rest, in God’s presence,
yielding ourselves to God’s care and opening ourselves
even further to receiving what God desires to give.
Incarnatio – The final step calls us to live out the text we have
been praying.

24. SILENCIO LECTIO MEDITATIO ORATIO CONTEMPLATIO INCARNATIO
We prepare
ourselves for
spiritual
reading by
engaging in a
period of
silence.
We read the
text
thoughtfully
and slowly,
engaging as
many senses
as possible.
In this step we
reflect upon
words or
images that
especially
speak to us
based upon
our reading.
We respond
to God based
upon our
reading and
pondering.
We rest, simply
rest, in God’s
presence,
yielding
ourselves to
God’s care and
opening
ourselves even
further to
receiving what
God desires to
give.
The final step
calls us to live
out the text
we have been
praying
During silence we
attempt to let go of
our anxieties and
inner dialogues and
open ourselves to
receiving God’s
Word.
Reading the text
aloud can be very
helpful.
With words we
express to God
feelings and
thoughts elicited
by our reading of
the text.
Instead of trying to
master the text, we
allow the text to
master us and lead
us to more faithful
and abundant living
in the larger world.

25. In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the
prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in
these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he
appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made
the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and
the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things
by his powerful word. After he had provided purification
for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in
heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as
the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Hebrews1:1-4

27. Reading and praying dance together . . .
• Some times prayer leads out
• Other times reading initiates
• Or they move in unison . . .

28. Prayer of Examen . . .
The Prayer of Examen is a daily spiritual exercise developed by
Ignatius of Loyola.
The prayer’s practice seeks to grow followers of Jesus in their
capacity to discern God’s will, find God in all things, and
enhance their understanding of God’s good creation.
The prayer may take between ten and twenty minutes.
– The majority of that time will be spent reviewing your day.
– Try not to dwell too long on thoughts. Instead, allow
yourself to become aware and move on.

29. Like two sides of a door, the prayer of examen
has two basic aspects . . .
It is an examen of Consciousness
• Through which we discover how God has been
present to us throughout the day and how we
have responded to His loving presence.
It is an examen of Conscience
• In which we uncover those areas that need
cleansing, purifying and healing.

30. Both of these “journeys of prayerful examination” are
taken with and in the company of the indwelling “Holy
Spirit” – it is not a self guided tour, the “means of
grace is our guide”
– The Spirit’s word is the last word, not a passing opinion
– The Spirit never speaks through condemnation, only conviction
. . .
• Condemnation is generalised – Romans 8:1-2
• Conviction is always specific – John 16:8; Romans 8:12-17

31. The prayer of examen produces within
us the priceless grace of self-
knowledge.
Through faith, self-knowledge leads us to a
self-acceptance and a self-love enabling us
to further draw our life from God’s
acceptance and love.

32. Our logo . . . LUKE 24:13 Now that same day two of them
were going to a village called Emmaus,
about seven miles from Jerusalem.
14They were talking with each other
about everything that had happened.
15As they talked and discussed these
things with each other, Jesus himself
came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing
him . . .
"Were not our hearts burning
within us while he talked
with us on the road and
opened the Scriptures to
us?"

33. Praxis Activity
Sampling “Lectio Divina”

34. Evan Howard and James
Wilhoit’s read us a “how
to” from their book on
Lectio Divina . . .

35. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lc9s_XdOHg

36. Don't let anyone look down on you because
you are young, but set an example for the
believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith
and in purity. 13Until I come, devote
yourself to the public reading of Scripture,
to preaching and to teaching.
1 Timothy 4:12

37. My daily-weekly Exercises
and Devotional activity

40. Epilogue

41. I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in
heaven.
2As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their
master,
as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her
mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he shows us his mercy.
PSALM 123:1

42. Hello there heaven-dwelling God, I’m looking
up to You for help.
Looking for help and direction, not mere
rescue – I require mercy.
So I’m looking like a servant does, alert to his
master's commands; like a maiden
attending her lady, watching every move.
I’m watching and waiting. Slowing my
breath, awaiting Your word of mercy.
Mercy, God, mercy! Mercifully grasp me by
mercy that I may hear Your words.
(based on Psalm 123:1-3 – Message Bible)