Lectio Divina is thought to have been introduced around the year 220 AD by Origen, who was one of the early Fathers of Christianity, probably Egyptian, who lived and taught in Alexandria. The practice of contemplative reading of scripture was followed by monastic orders and the method has recently been revived. I was taught the method by Ignatians, when on silent retreat.

Genesis 15: 1-12

"Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield;

Abraham was called from Haran, near modern day Basra, to travel thousands of miles to Israel at the age of seventy-five. If you received a call like that, how would you receive it, indeed, would you even hear such a call if it was made?

There is an ancient technique of praying through the scriptures, called lectio divina in which scripture is read, and when a phase, or sentence leaps out, you stop, and read it over and over again in contemplation, giving space for God to speak into our lives. The technique then encourages us to pray about it, so that God can speak and we can hear. The four stages are; letting the words sink in, letting the word or phrase reverberate, speaking to God, and being with God. This is one of the ways I have taught to prepare sermons.