If you believe in the Scriptures, sighting them is just an affirmation of your beliefs right?

Question

Or is it something else? To say something isn't just what you believe, it's scriptural is kind of silly isn't it?

yes I meant citing.

Answer 1

Lectio Divina is Latin for “spiritual reading” and represents an early monastic technique of prayer which continues in practice though less widely, intended to achieve communion with God as well as providing special spiritual insights and peace from that experience. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray from God's Word.

History
Lectio Divina was first expressed in the year 220 AD. It was found that to read the Bible profitably it is necessary to do so with attention, consistency and prayer. The systematization of “spiritual reading” into four steps dates back to the 12th century. Around 1150, Guigo II, a Carthusian monk, wrote a book entitled “The Monk’s Ladder” (Scala Claustralium) wherein he set out the theory of the four rungs: reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI stated, “This is the ladder by which the monks ascend from earth to heaven.”

Method
Lectio is typically practiced daily for one continuous hour. A selection from the Holy Scriptures is chosen ahead of time, often as a daily progression through a particular book of the Bible.

Time
Selecting a time for lectio divina is important. Typical methods are to pray for one hour in the morning, or to divide it into two half-hour periods, one in the morning and one in the evening. The key is to pre-select the time that will be devoted to the prayer, and to keep it. Using the same time every day leads to a daily habit of prayer that becomes highly effective.

Place
The place for prayer is to be free from distractions. This means it should be isolated from other people, telephones, visual distractions, etc. Some find a religious icon to be helpful. The same place should be used for lectio if possible, especially as one first begins to practice it. Familiarity with a location reduces the possibility of distraction away from the prayer. Some practitioners conduct other devotions, such as praying before the Catholic Eucharist, as a preparation for Lectio Divina.

Preparation
Prior to reading, it is important to engage in a transitional activity that takes one from the normal state of mind to a more contemplative and prayerful state. A few moments of deep, regular breathing and a short prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time helps to set the tone and improve the effectiveness of the lectio.

Once the stage is set it is time to begin the prayer. There are four phases of the prayer, which do not necessarily progress in an ordered fashion. One may move between different phases of the prayer very freely as the Spirit guides.

The Four Moments
Lectio
Read the passage several times.

Meditatio
Reflect on the text of the passage, thinking about how to apply to one's own life. Gravitate to any particular phrase or word that seems to be of particular import. This should not be confused with exegesis, but is a very personal reading of the Scripture and application to one's own life.

Oratio
Respond to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but more of the beginning of a conversation with God.

Contemplatio
Listen to God. This is a freeing oneself from one's own thoughts, both mundane and holy. It is about hearing God talk to us. Opening our mind, heart and soul to the influence of God. Any conversation must allow for both sides to communicate, and this most unfamiliar act is allowing oneself to be open to hearing God speak.

Answer 2

I think someone who says, "that isn't just what I believe, it's scriptural, too," would be a person who believes some things that aren't scriptural. Most, even in Christian churches, have several beliefs that aren't supported by scripture.

Answer 3

An affirmation of your beliefs would be living the scriptures.

Answer 4

No. God's Word has authority whether I believe in it or not...Just like my stating the laws of gravity are not merely an affirmation of my beliefs....if I drop an anvil, it will also fall on my foot.

Answer 5

I live by the scriptures- I abide in what God says ( or try my best to at least! Of course I am not perfect) but we who are saved in Christ know that the Bible is our foundation- we are to live by what it says. We are not saved by the scriptures- we are saved by Christ's blood! It is Jesus Christ who saves us- and it is the written word of God we live by because it is God's word- and God teaches us through it and speaks to us through it. It has many applications to our lives today- and we are to be "doers of the word and not just hearers" as it says in James 1:22

We stick to the truth- which is the word of God- Because we love the Lord and want to follow Him! As it says in Acts "Search the scriptures daily" --This keeps us grounded in our faith with Christ Jesus- And The Lord teaches us continually, and gives us spiritual food through the word. We grow spiritually....from the "milk to the meat" --as the Bible also says. God is awesome and I stand in AWE of Him!!

Answer 6

`The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the division of soul and spirit`

Answer 7

...Do you mean reciting them? I am not quite sure I understand your question.
...If you mean memorizing or reciting them, it's a good practice and beneficial when one has time to meditate (think on) verses learned.

Answer 8

I think you mean "citing" them.

Answer 9

We are all taught to back up what we say. Some want facts, some use their holy writings, some want our personal opinion.
Can't please everybody.

Answer 10

Agree !