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Part II - Lectio Divina Training
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What is Lectio Divina?
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The monastic form of Lectio Divina is an ancient method that was practiced by the Mothers and Fathers of the Desert and later in monasteries both in the East and West. The monastic way is a private way of conversation with God it is unstructured. One listens to the word of God in a passage chosen for the occasion and then one follows the attraction of the Spirit.
This can also be prayed in a group but by praying as a group it now has a structure to it.
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What is the structure of Lectio Divina?
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Choose a text of the Scriptures that you wish to pray. (You can always use the Daily Readings)
Place yourself in a quiet environment. Calm your anxieties and thoughts and acknowledge God's presence.
Offer a prayer to the Holy Spirit for inspiration and guidance:
Come, Holy Spirit, enlighten my heart and mind to listen to your Word.
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Moment one:
Read the text slowly and prayerfully, constantly listening for that word that God has prepared for you.
You may want to re-read the same text multiple times to help quiet yourself interiorly and focus on God's voice.
Listen and receive the Word that God speaks to you.
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Moment two:
When a word or phrase strikes you, stop and rest with it.
Repeat the word or phrase to yourself. Allow it to speak to you in a personal way by pondering the word in your heart, reflecting on what it means to you.
Memorize it and repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your thoughts, hopes, memories, and desires.
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Moment three:
Prayer is your response to God's word.
It begins your dialogue with God that comes from your heart. Formulate a prayer, as a response to God.
What do you want to say to the Lord in response to the Word spoken to you?
Enter into this loving conversation with God.
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Moment four:
Rest in God's presence and receive His transforming embrace. Sit still with God, realizing that in this deep and profound relationship, words are not necessary.
Be content and at peace with a wordless, quiet rest in God, which brings joy to the heart.
Remember that contemplation is not your action or doing, rather it is allowing God to act in you.
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Moment five:
How can I make my life a gift for others?
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"Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him."(CCC 2708)
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1.) Page adapted from Gulf Pine Catholic Article featured Aug 21 2020 | Volume 37 No 26. (https://biloxidiocese.org/gulf-pine-catholic)
2.) https://www.bl.uk/people/st-benedict-of-nursia (Page top image)
3.) https://uscatholic.org/articles/202001/discover-the-sacredness-of-life-with-the-desert-mothers-and-fathers/ (Desert father image)
4.) https://www.thereligionteacher.com/lectio-divina-lesson-planning/
5.) https://www.looktohimandberadiant.com/2020/02/lectio-divina-with-kids-printable.html
6.) Lectio Divina Handouts
7.) Podcast: How do you Pray with the Bible?
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