Sometimes after leaving a friend’s house, we feel satisfied and fulfilled not only by our warm interaction but also because we have such a friend. In the same way, reading, reflecting, and responding in prayer often closes with contemplation (contemplatio, the last phase of lectio divina).
This may take a variety of forms. We may soak in what has gone on between God and ourselves. Or we rest in what God has said. Or we may simply “sit” with God the way you enjoy sitting beside someone you love. (I often return to the park bench picture of sitting next to Jesus where I began in silence.)
Contemplation often resembles the biblical idea of “waiting on God.” In Scripture waiting isn’t an impatient, irritating frame of mind. It most often appears with the word “hope” (v. 5). So waiting on God is expectant and alert, like lingering because you expect someone you love will be home soon.
At other times contemplation may be more energetic, sort of a delighting in God as the psalmist says. You may have absorbed such a generous, self-giving vision of God that you nod in delight and do a mental “high-five” interaction with God. Isn’t it great that God is like this? This gladness may even develop into worship, which is yet another form of contemplation. You can sing or, if no one’s watching, break out into a dance step or two!
Jan Johnson is a retreat speaker, spiritual director, the creator of many Bible studies, and the author of 22 books, including Meeting God in Scripture: A Hands-On Guide to Lectio Divina. Visit her at www.JanJohnson.org.
