WE are now in the season of Pentecost [longest season of the church year]
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The Religious of the early church developed Lectio Divina into a fine art. They used the discipline to compliment their daily devotions. Incorporated were the elements of reading, meditation, speech and contemplation. First, a passage of scripture was chosen. That passage then would be read silently with intent. Reading the same passage a second time, they meditated on it, reflecting on an experience or experiences that touched them. After a third reading they moved from meditation into prayer. Praying the scripture as it were. We are reminded in Psalm 3:3-4 that praying gives rest and peace. This pattern of prayer compliments the psalmist view.
The following guideline is for "personal Lectio Divina" and will help you:
1. Set a time, for either the morning and/or evening. Read the passage of scripture chosen purposely first, sit quietly for a few minutes and then read the same passage again this time listening for a word or phrase that speaks to you, letting the words settle in your mind. finally read the same passage again and this time make the passage a prayer. Remember that you are gently being led into God's presence, seeking him in silence.
2. Finally read the same passage again and this time make the passage a prayer. Remember that you are gently being led into God's presence, seeking him in silence.
3. Use a prayer word to set the pace and slow down your breathing. [Good prayer words to use are Shalom, Abba, Jesus, Love]. Remember that you should flow from one stage to the other, not treating each as a separate exercise.
Rest in the quiet stillness of God's embrace and then gently end the period of Lectio, using the "Our Father Prayer" or the 23rd Psalm to close.
You may want to incorporate the daily office with your time set aside for Lectio or Sacred Readings. Note also that your Lectio Divina can be done using the writings of the Saints like, Augustine and Ambrose, both of whom have written prayers, prose and commentaries.
Following is a list of books that expound much more on this ancient practice.
Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating
A Deeper Love by Elizabeth Smith & Joseph Chalmers
Lectio Divina by Basil Pennington
Praying The Bible - An Introduction to Lectio Divina by Mariano Magrassi
The Word Is Very Near You by Martin L. Smith
Out of Solitude by Henri J. M. Nouwen
"Daily Readings"
You are encouraged to use the devotional readings from your own current Lectionary, daily bible reading planner or online bible reading plan from the Daily Office from the Mission of St. Clare, 3-Mnute Retreats and you can join us at Grace Upon Grace Devotions Facebook.
When doing the Lectio Divina it will be a great asset to use more than one Bible translation. The first reading of the assigned scripture can be read from the KJV, the second reading can be read from the NIV and the third reading from either the Message Bible or some other translation. It will be especially helpful as you listen for and meditate on a certain word or phrase in the scripture reading.
Links to Strengthen you on your Spiritual Journey
3-Minute Retreats - Daily Prayer
Daily Office
Grace Upon Grace Devotions
Lectio Divina_
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The Religious of the early church developed Lectio Divina into a fine art. They used the discipline to compliment their daily devotions. Incorporated were the elements of reading, meditation, speech and contemplation. First, a passage of scripture was chosen. That passage then would be read silently with intent. Reading the same passage a second time, they meditated on it, reflecting on an experience or experiences that touched them. After a third reading they moved from meditation into prayer. Praying the scripture as it were. We are reminded in Psalm 3:3-4 that praying gives rest and peace. This pattern of prayer compliments the psalmist view.
The following guideline is for "personal Lectio Divina" and will help you:
1. Set a time, for either the morning and/or evening. Read the passage of scripture chosen purposely first, sit quietly for a few minutes and then read the same passage again this time listening for a word or phrase that speaks to you, letting the words settle in your mind. finally read the same passage again and this time make the passage a prayer. Remember that you are gently being led into God's presence, seeking him in silence.
2. Finally read the same passage again and this time make the passage a prayer. Remember that you are gently being led into God's presence, seeking him in silence.
3. Use a prayer word to set the pace and slow down your breathing. [Good prayer words to use are Shalom, Abba, Jesus, Love]. Remember that you should flow from one stage to the other, not treating each as a separate exercise.
Rest in the quiet stillness of God's embrace and then gently end the period of Lectio, using the "Our Father Prayer" or the 23rd Psalm to close.
You may want to incorporate the daily office with your time set aside for Lectio or Sacred Readings. Note also that your Lectio Divina can be done using the writings of the Saints like, Augustine and Ambrose, both of whom have written prayers, prose and commentaries.
Following is a list of books that expound much more on this ancient practice.
Open Mind, Open Heart by Thomas Keating
A Deeper Love by Elizabeth Smith & Joseph Chalmers
Lectio Divina by Basil Pennington
Praying The Bible - An Introduction to Lectio Divina by Mariano Magrassi
The Word Is Very Near You by Martin L. Smith
Out of Solitude by Henri J. M. Nouwen
"Daily Readings"
You are encouraged to use the devotional readings from your own current Lectionary, daily bible reading planner or online bible reading plan from the Daily Office from the Mission of St. Clare, 3-Mnute Retreats and you can join us at Grace Upon Grace Devotions Facebook.
When doing the Lectio Divina it will be a great asset to use more than one Bible translation. The first reading of the assigned scripture can be read from the KJV, the second reading can be read from the NIV and the third reading from either the Message Bible or some other translation. It will be especially helpful as you listen for and meditate on a certain word or phrase in the scripture reading.
Links to Strengthen you on your Spiritual Journey
3-Minute Retreats - Daily Prayer
Daily Office
Grace Upon Grace Devotions
Lectio Divina_
