So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

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So Much More: Scripture Meditation (Lectio Divina)

Welcome to So Much More where we're creating space to be with God. This podcast, hosted by Jodie Niznik, introduces you to two types of bible scripture meditation experiences, Lectio Divina and Imaginative Prayer, and gives you space to practice them. It also creates space to hear what others have experienced in their time with God.

Topics Covered:

📖 What Is Lectio Divina and Why Is It a Helpful Christian Practice
📖 What Is Christian Meditation and How Do We Use Scripture to Practice It
📖 Special Church Seasonal Series Including Lent, Easter, and Advent

If you are a Christian looking for ways to pray more or meditate more on Scripture, be sure to visit Jodie's website, https://www.jodieniznik.com/ for more information!

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Faith Over Fear | Lent Meditation Matthew 14:22-33

February 19, 2024 - 24 min

This guided Scripture meditation is for Lent. You can get your FREE lent guide here In Matthew 14:22-33, Peter walked on water. He was brave and bold when he stepped out of the boat. But the wind kicked up and distracted him from Jesus. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, fear consumed him and he started to sink. What changed? Peter changed. Jesus remained the same. He did not move. And he was present and ready to help Peter as soon as Peter cried out to him. As you move through this guided meditation you will be invited to let the Holy Spirit lead you to what he has for you and to reflect on areas where God is inviting you to trust him more. What is Lent? Lent is the roughly 40-day period before Easter in the Christian calendar. Traditionally, Lent is a season set aside for repentance and renewal. I like to think of it as a spring cleaning for my soul - a time to reflect on how much I need Jesus in my life and imagine what life would be like without him. You can find out more about Lent, where it originated, and how Christians traditionally practice it through my free Lent Guide here. Here’s some additional links to help you learn more about me and to help you create space for God in your life: You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. Join my Monday email here where I send out links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passage meditated on in this episode is: Matthew 14:22-33, CSB 22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Guided Prayer for Lent | Trusting in God's Abundance

February 14, 2024 - 7 min

God's Abundant Provision | Lent Meditation Matthew 14:13-21

February 12, 2024 - 23 min

This guided Scripture meditation is for the first week of Lent. Get your FREE lent guide here. In this account from Matthew 14, Jesus demonstrated that in His hands, what seems insufficient becomes more than enough. This serves as a beautiful reminder to trust in God's abundant provision in our own lives. As you move through this guided meditation, you will be invited to let the Spirit lead you to what he has for you and to reflect on areas where God is inviting you to trust him more. Lent is the roughly 40-day period before Easter in the Christian calendar. Traditionally, Lent is a season set aside for repentance and renewal. I like to think of it as a spring cleaning for my soul - a time to reflect on how much I need Jesus in my life and imagine what life would be like without him. The origin of Lent can be traced back to the 4th Century, and the forty days are an echo of Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. There are several common practices Christians tend to adopt during Lent: fasting, prayer, generosity, and intentionally taking on a spiritual practice. You can find out more about Lent through my free Lent Guide here. Here are some additional links to help you learn more about me and to help you create space for God in your life: You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. Join my Monday email here where I send out links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passage meditated on in this episode is: Matthew 14:13-21, NIV 13 (Jesus) withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Fresh Start and A Clean Slate | Meditation on Psalm 32

February 5, 2024 - 21 min

This is a guided meditation and reflection on all of Psalm 32. Psalm 32 starts with the reminder of the joy we should know because of the fresh start and a clean slate we’ve been given through Jesus. Have we forgotten how amazing and miraculous his work is in our lives? This Psalm also reminds us that hiding sin in secret places will eat us up from the inside out. The amazing news is – when we bring anything hiden into the light, God renews and receives us. Did you catch that? Every single time you turn back to God, he receives you. Every. Single. Time. He does not tire of our returns, he celebrates them. In this meditation, we will listen to Psalm 32 from the Message Translation and I will give you prompts to reflect on with the Lord. Each reflection space in 1 minute long. Feel free to pause or rewind if you need more time. May the Lord guide you to what he has for you through his Word today. Here are the reflection prompts: Consider, what would your life be like without Jesus? Thank God that through Jesus he has given you a clean slate. Recall a time when you were hiding from God and others and how it felt. When you returned to God and stopped hiding from others, how did that feel? Thank him for his mercy. Bring it forward to today… is there any place in your life that you feel you are hiding from God or others? If so, what’s holding you back from bringing it to the light? Ask God if there is any place in your life where you’re being ornery like a horse or a mule and resisting him. If he reveals anything, Ask him for his help. If nothing comes to mind, ask him to help you stay tender and responsive to his leading. Praise God for the truth that you are loved every time you turn around. If there’s a place that God has shown you where you need to turn around, ask God for his help. And remember you will be received with love. Here’s some links I discussed in the podcast: The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passages we meditated on is as follows: Psalm 32, The Message Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be— you get a fresh start, your slate’s wiped clean. 2 Count yourself lucky— God holds nothing against you and you’re holding nothing back from him. 3 When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. 4 The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. 5 Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.” Suddenly the pressure was gone— my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. 6 These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray; when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts we’ll be on high ground, untouched. 7 God’s my island hideaway, keeps danger far from the shore, throws garlands of hosannas around my neck. 8 Let me give you some good advice; I’m looking you in the eye and giving it to you straight: 9 “Don’t be ornery like a horse or mule that needs bit and bridle to stay on track.” 10 God-defiers are always in trouble; God-affirmers find themselves loved every time they turn around. 11 Celebrate God. Sing together—everyone! All yo

God’s Ways Are Not Our Ways | Meditation on Isaiah 55:8-11

January 29, 2024 - 19 min

This guided Scripture meditation in Isaiah 55 uses Lectio Divina. God is doing work that we can’t even begin to imagine. In Isaiah God declares, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” I have to confess… from my limited perspective it can be hard to understand what God is doing. This passage reminds me that God is doing things beyond our knowing. (see Job 36:26) As I refocus on the truth that God is God and I am not. And that God is good – always good. Then I start to rest in him and his work. Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you that God is working. And that he uses his good Word to accomplish his good purposes. Here’s some helpful links I discussed in the podcast: The guided retreat to help you move into this new year with intention is here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. And if you’re ready to make Scripture Meditation a part of your new year, I encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. I’ll send out link to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passages we meditated on is as follows: Isaiah 55:8-11, CSB For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways.” This is the Lord’s declaration. 9 “For as heaven is higher than earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, 11 so my word that comes from my mouth will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Choosing to Courageously Trust God | Meditation on Psalm 27: 1-3, 13-14

January 22, 2024 - 18 min

Waiting Expectantly on God | Meditation on Psalm 37:5-9

January 15, 2024 - 17 min

Embracing God’s Leading and Direction | Meditation on Isaiah 43:16-19

January 8, 2024 - 18 min

What is Christian Meditation and Should You Practice it?

January 5, 2024 - 16 min

What is Christian Meditation and how is it different from other kinds of meditation? In this podcast we will: Explore what Christian meditation is and isn’t. Discuss where we see meditation in Scripture. Explore the benefits of meditation for our mind and body. Discuss how meditating on God’s Word helps us hear from God. Unpack exactly what Lectio Divina is and how we use this mediation method on the So Much More podcast. I also share my personal testimony of how God used the practice of meditation to transform my life. And you will experience a brief taste of what guided Christian mediation is. If you’re ready to start exploring Christian meditation, I’d love to be a part of your journey. I recommend subscribing to the So Much More: Creating Space for God podcast on whatever platform you listen to podcasts. I also encourage you to join my Monday email newsletter here. You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. If you’re interested in Entering a New Season Guided Retreat, you can find more information here. Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. The passages we discussed in this podcast are as follows: Psalm 1:1-2, CSB 1 How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! 2 Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. John 16:12-13, NIV 12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. Philippians 4:6-8, NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Christmas Story Reading and Meditation | Luke 2

December 23, 2023 - 9 min

This guided Christmas meditation is perfect for you or the entire family. Take a few quiet moments to remember the story of Christmas and reflect through prayer and thanksgiving on what it means for you today. You can find our more about Jodie at: http://www.jodieniznik.com/ If you’re interested in Entering a New Season Guided Retreat, you can find more information here. Join my Monday email newsletter here. Learn more about Lectio Divina and download your free Lectio Divina Journal here. Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Note: This is an encore presentation from 2022. Here's the entire text of the reading: Luke 2:1-20, Message About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. 6–7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel. An Event for Everyone 8–12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.” 13–14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. 15–18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed. 19–20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Host

Jodie Niznik is a seminary-trained lover of God’s Word who has served in vocational ministry for over twelve years. She helps people create space for God in their lives through her Scripture meditation podcast and equips them to take another step with Jesus through her Real People, Real Faith Bible studies and teaching. You can connect with her at jodieniznik.com.