After Monday’s post there were several inquiries concerning Lectio Divina. Here is one wa
y of praying it. It presupposes a small group of people praying it together. There are also plenty of good resources on line for a deeper experience of it but I find this quite suitable.
Lectio Divina is Latin for Divine Reading. It is not a Scripture study nor should it take the place of such exercises. It is rather a way of praying the Scriptures, to develop that deeper
relationship with God, and to know the Scriptures better.
There are four basic stages. To begin a passage from Scriptures needs to be chosen. It should not be too long. I recommend upcoming Sunday readings, especially the Gospel. Those praying should take a moment to relax and set the outside word aside as one is called to do before Mass. Place yourself in a prayerful posture that can be maintained without being uncomfortable or having the temptation to fall asleep!
STAGE ONE: LECTIO or READ
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwgmaX-bkIukFJoXQj6BvqwiVXBSqe60aFtVSE-DgCyqSFXmar0VonpeqAdsotFENEz4AdigTlXZF1eBzC42tnRX43q_453t-e3Df-Ut9X2pNu3WZ1JvrsxlexYRWhWSlV400s3G4Eej1/s400/let1.jpg)
The text is read slowly and purposefully.
Those present listen for a word or phrase that catches their heart
All sit for a moment with that word or phrase.
Just that word or phrase is shared without commentary or explanation with the others.
STAGE TWO: MEDITATIO or REFLECT
The text is read again.
Listen again for the Word to catch your heart. (It may change.)
Sit with it for a while.
Share what was said TO YOU through the Scripture. It’s not a sermon for others but what is said to you.
Say a sentence or two about it.
STAGE THREE: ORATIO or PRAY
The text is read again.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ20rBPMk_bRegIlBsSFl-Zvgs-KfHkVIIPmc8kAQYXtfW_TmFGrRvmVdQwE1-ymKQ6SE-xC9rpue_0leOGkQvNDDlsNGiLq2Izd9U3W1g3vep_Tx21d5BWPPg5WTBCVL3R9ipy5IfPqKz/s400/lect.jpg)
Sit with it.
Offer spontaneous prayer in answer to the Scripture speaking to you.
STAGE FOUR: CONTEMPLATIO or REST
The text is read again.
Sit quietly and contemplate/pray
If done in a group the leader can end by softly beginning the Our Father or similar prayer.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWvlSefpyTLUnM06KUFTNg0vPZbsm_H00o1x-kjkRGZfSq2TzM9O7Jm7SZeYBOSrXwUip9LFRI4N6HBfbTzv831inScifISKM32_CxFitDrkz2LPLRMFYma_QV_o0anvz8uoL3UIbOz2C/s400/lect3.jpg)
Lectio Divina is Latin for Divine Reading. It is not a Scripture study nor should it take the place of such exercises. It is rather a way of praying the Scriptures, to develop that deeper
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rxNmiWI3UnXp5fqc2zw4iaL49-gIz-lkeTrqAzmO_G8Md6kxUVYqVtQzhs5Vpeaff5t8BwGJXJztNYolryMsDv0BTfskmRzYL9c-Q5614iHJiPwP4qkNATEmzAhEg2j4mQXRTz1MKLPq/s400/lect2.jpg)
There are four basic stages. To begin a passage from Scriptures needs to be chosen. It should not be too long. I recommend upcoming Sunday readings, especially the Gospel. Those praying should take a moment to relax and set the outside word aside as one is called to do before Mass. Place yourself in a prayerful posture that can be maintained without being uncomfortable or having the temptation to fall asleep!
STAGE ONE: LECTIO or READ
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwgmaX-bkIukFJoXQj6BvqwiVXBSqe60aFtVSE-DgCyqSFXmar0VonpeqAdsotFENEz4AdigTlXZF1eBzC42tnRX43q_453t-e3Df-Ut9X2pNu3WZ1JvrsxlexYRWhWSlV400s3G4Eej1/s400/let1.jpg)
The text is read slowly and purposefully.
Those present listen for a word or phrase that catches their heart
All sit for a moment with that word or phrase.
Just that word or phrase is shared without commentary or explanation with the others.
STAGE TWO: MEDITATIO or REFLECT
The text is read again.
Listen again for the Word to catch your heart. (It may change.)
Sit with it for a while.
Share what was said TO YOU through the Scripture. It’s not a sermon for others but what is said to you.
Say a sentence or two about it.
STAGE THREE: ORATIO or PRAY
The text is read again.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ20rBPMk_bRegIlBsSFl-Zvgs-KfHkVIIPmc8kAQYXtfW_TmFGrRvmVdQwE1-ymKQ6SE-xC9rpue_0leOGkQvNDDlsNGiLq2Izd9U3W1g3vep_Tx21d5BWPPg5WTBCVL3R9ipy5IfPqKz/s400/lect.jpg)
Sit with it.
Offer spontaneous prayer in answer to the Scripture speaking to you.
STAGE FOUR: CONTEMPLATIO or REST
The text is read again.
Sit quietly and contemplate/pray
If done in a group the leader can end by softly beginning the Our Father or similar prayer.
2 comments:
Thanks!
Thanks, Father!
- Father
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