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! 

  1. I Am the Bread of Life | Midweek Prayer (John 6:32–36)

    12H AGO

    I Am the Bread of Life | Midweek Prayer (John 6:32–36)

    In the middle of the week, it’s easy to become aware of our emotionally, spiritually, physically, and feel unsure where to bring it. This short midweek prayer invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and return your attention to Jesus, who calls Himself the Bread of Life. Drawing from John 6:32–36, this prayer creates space to name the places where you feel hungry, weary, or longing and  In Scripture, God provided daily bread for His people in the wilderness just enough for each day. In the same way, Jesus offers Himself to us now. Not always for tomorrow. Not always all at once. But faithfully, for today. This prayer is a gentle reminder that Jesus is enough for your real, present needs. Take a few quiet minutes to refocus your heart and mind on Him, and to rest in the truth that you are held, seen, and cared for. Download your FREE Companion Journal Here I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Jodie:http://www.jodieniznik.com Follow on Instagram:@jodieniznik Follow on Facebook:@JodieGNiznik Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:https://www.lifeaudio.com   Today’s Scripture John 6:32–35 (NLT) 32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” If you are helped by these meditations, consider sharing them with a friend or leaving a review. Simple acts like these help create space for more people to slow down and listen. Thank you for joining me on So Much More.We really do believe Jesus has so much more to say to us—and this is one way we are creating space to listen. Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting:  https://hubs.la/Q041HkRL0 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    6 min
  2. I Am the Bread of Life | John 6:32–35

    2D AGO

    I Am the Bread of Life | John 6:32–35

    Lent begins not with strength, but with need. In this first meditation of our Lenten series, I Am: A Lenten Journey with Jesus, we slow down with Jesus’s first I AM statement: “I am the bread of life.” These words come just after Jesus feeds the five thousand—a miracle that meets a very real physical hunger. But as the story unfolds, Jesus gently reveals something deeper: the people were satisfied in their bodies, yet still hungry in their souls. In John 6, Jesus exposes the difference between temporary provision and true sustenance. The crowd wants more bread, more proof, another sign. But Jesus invites them—and us—to look beneath our surface needs and notice where our hearts are truly hungry. This guided Scripture meditation invites you to begin Lent honestly, naming places of physical, emotional, or spiritual need. Through several slow readings of John 6:32–35, you will be guided to listen, reflect, respond, and rest—opening your hands to receive Jesus as your true provision. Lent does not begin with having it all together. It begins with coming to Jesus in our hunger and allowing Him to meet us there. Download your FREE Companion Journal Here I AM: A Lenten Journey with Jesus This journal includes:• Each week’s Scripture passage• Reflection prompts from the meditations• Space to journal, pray, and notice what God is revealing Here are some additional helpful links: Learn more about Jodie:http://www.jodieniznik.com Follow on Instagram:@jodieniznik Follow on Facebook:@JodieGNiznik Join the Monday email newsletter for new meditations, HERE Explore other faith-centered podcasts from LifeAudio:https://www.lifeaudio.com Throughout Lent, a brief guided prayer will be released each Wednesday to help you pause midweek and prayerfully reset your focus on Jesus.   Today’s Scripture John 6:32–35 (NLT) 32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven.33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” If you are helped by these meditations, consider sharing them with a friend or leaving a review. Simple acts like these help create space for more people to slow down and listen. Thank you for joining me on So Much More.We really do believe Jesus has so much more to say to us—and this is one way we are creating space to listen.   Learn more about Every Woman’s Bible today by visiting:  https://hubs.la/Q041HkRL0 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    20 min
  3. Moving from Weariness to Strength | Meditation on Isaiah 40:28-31

    FEB 2

    Moving from Weariness to Strength | Meditation on Isaiah 40:28-31

    In this episode, Jodie Niznik, host of So Much More, leads you in a guided meditation to help you find renewed strength and hope using Isaiah 40:28-31. The passage was originally meant to encourage God’s people who were weary and wayward, and it also offers timeless truths and promises for us today.   Here are 3 takeaways from this Meditation: Remember God's Everlasting Presence: Isaiah 40 reminds us that the Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. These timeless truths remind us of God's unceasing care and understanding, strengthening our hope in Him. Renew Your Strength: We all encounter times in our lives when we feel weary and weak. Isaiah 40 teaches us that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Through our hope in Him, our strength is renewed, allowing us to “soar on wings like eagles.” Rest in God's Understanding: God understands our weariness, weakness, and exhaustion even better than we do. In times of struggle, we can find solace in His knowing and loving presence, allowing His understanding to comfort and guide us.   You can find Jodie at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Instagram @jodieniznik Facebook @JodieGNiznik Download free sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Download your free Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here.   The full meditation text is as follows: Isaiah 40:28-31, NIV 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    17 min
  4. A Fresh Start and A Clean Slate | Meditation on Psalm 32

    JAN 26

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

    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 @jodieniznik 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 you honest hearts, raise the roof! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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

    JAN 19

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

    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 @jodienzinik 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.

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

    JAN 12

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

    A Scripture Meditation on Psalm 27 using Lectio Divina. Do not be afraid. Easier said than done. Fear is a common emotion when we feel scared, concerned, or even ashamed. In this Psalm, David was being pursued by his very real enemies who wanted to do very real hard to him. In the face of this uncertainty, David chose courageous trust when he declared that God was greater than his enemies and therefore, he would not be afraid. David placed his confidence in the Lord. May we do the same. Listen in to this guided meditation and allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to what he has for you.   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 @jodieniznik 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 27:1-3, 13-14, NIV The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    19 min
  7. Waiting Expectantly on God | Meditation on Psalm 37:5-9

    JAN 5

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

    This guided Scripture meditation is in Psalm 37 using Lectio Divina. Waiting on God is hard. This Psalm reminds us that God will act on our behalf – in his timing and in his ways. It also reminds us to not get caught up in comparison. It will only agitate us, and nothing good comes from this. So, take a deep breath and allow the Lord to guide you into this meditation in Psalm 37. I believe he has something just for you.   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 @jodieniznik 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. Listen to another meditation on Psalm 37 from the Summer Series 2023 here   The passages we meditated on is as follows: Psalm 37:5-9, CSB 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act, 6 making your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday. 7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for him; do not be agitated by one who prospers in his way, by the person who carries out evil plans. 8 Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated—it can only bring harm. 9 For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the Lord will inherit the land. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    18 min

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About

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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