Practicing Lectio Divina (Revelation 3:1-6)

A Reflection for Friday, March 21 by Carole duBois

Lectionary reading for 03/21/2025: Psalm 63:1-8; Daniel 12:1-4; Revelation 3:1-6

Selected passage for reflection: Revelation 3:-16

Read

Revelation 3:1-6 NIV

3 To the angel of the church in Sardis write:These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.4 Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels. 6 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Reflect

Today’s reading, on this 17th day of Lent, is from “The Revelation to John (Apocalypse),” commonly called, “Revelation.”Apocalyptic, or revelatory, writings are found throughout Jewish literature. However, the only other book length apocalypse in the Bible is “Daniel.”

The latter chapters of “Revelation,” are loud and chaotic, and full of strange creatures. In the first three chapters, though, there are letters to churches, including today’s reading - a letter to the church in Sardis. The letters contain Jesus’ messages to those who worship him.

Since Prayerful Reflections uses a lectio divina format, I thought this would be a good opportunity to do the spiritual practice as the reader. 

Respond 

As you read today’s passage Revelation 3:1-6, imagine yourself as the recipient of a letter from one who knows you well and loves you dearly. You will read through the passage three times.

First, slowly read through the passage and let the words wash over you. 

Note a word or phrase from the passage that captures your attention. Simply notice what it is. If nothing in particular rises to the surface, just meditate on the words as a whole. 

Second, read through the passage again. If these words were read aloud to you when you were with a group of friends, how would it feel?

Have you ever received a letter, voicemail, text or email, that left you feeling untethered or upset? How about a communication that made you feel loved? Did you share what you received with anyone? Why or why not?

There are words of hope and encouragement as well as words of condemnation in this passage. Is the word or phrase that caught your attention a word of consolation or a word of conviction?

Repeat the word or phrase that stands out to you to yourself. How does it feel? Where, in your body, do you notice the word or phrase resonating? Is it in your stomach, your head, your heart? Why do you think you feel it where you do?

Read through the passage a third time. Afterwards, sit in silence for a minute or two, listening to what the Lord is speaking to you.

How is God inviting you to respond to this passage today? 

What prayer or petition rises in your heart?

Offer that now or simply sit with God in love.

Rest 

God who communes with us in myriad ways, help us to remember that every message from you has loving-kindness at its core. As creation springs from words of life and hope, and resurrection comes as we practice it, equip us to speak words of life and hold to the hope of resurrection, in a world in need. Amen.

About the Author 

Carole duBois

Carole duBois is an officiant and retreat leader living in New Bern, NC. She enjoys time near the water and hearing stories of God at work in the world.

This reflection is part of a series called Prayerful Reflections: A Daily Devotional for Lent 2025. Join us on the blog each day for a new reflection from a different writer, or download the pdf of the entire devotional by clicking the link.