The benedictine monks said there are basically four stages of lectio divina. Doing it together is a liturgy of lectio, because you are deliberately structuring the different levels of lectio, which is a good way to communicate it, and then sometimes. Thank the lord for the way he has spoken to you through his word. In the 12th century, a carthusian monk named guigo, formalized four stages to the practice of lectio divina. Experienced bible teacher jan johnson gives us forty scripture meditations, organized topically, giving us the tools we need to practice lectio. In lectio divina, the chosen spiritual text is read four times in total, giving an opportunity to think deeply about it and respond thoughtfully. According to pope benedict xvi in the postsynodal apostolic exhortation, verbum domini nos. Pdf lectio divina, a contemplative reading exercise first codified in the 12th century.
Lighting a candle is a way of focusing attention on the lords presence read the scripture. Lectio divina is a private devotion and while its useful to do it in common it was originally designed to be a private experience or encounter with the scriptures. Lectio divina is a reading, reflecting, responding and resting in the word of god that helps one grow in relationship with god. Lectio divina it was with the renewal of religious life at the second vatican council that lectio divina reclaimed its rightful place in monastic life. Lectio divina, a contemplative reading exercise first codified in the 12th century, offers a number of benefits when adapted for use in a secular classroom. Step by step through lectio divina divine reading jesus said.
Once you have gained a greater understanding of the passage, or if you. The awesome power of the fivestep lectio divina method to. Today, there are many ways of practicing lectio divina but guigos description remains the foundation. The text version of this video can be read, copied, and shared below. In the passage from scripture, god has spoken to you. Ask yourself which word, which phrase, which passage speaks to you, challenges you, tugs at you this day. The basic lectio divina steps the religion teacher. Lectio divina and centering prayer lectio divina and centering prayer are two distinct prayer forms. Lectio divina, environmental ethics, and the literary nonfiction of. Generally speaking, the lectio divina practiced within the monastic tradition was more conceptual in its expressions. Lectio divina and the practice of teresian prayer book summary. I appreciate david helms critique of this method in in his little book expositional preaching. These are the four moments of lectio divina instead of four stages and at the center the dot represents the holy spirit.
It is meant to facilitate an encounter with god through an engaged reading of the scriptures. Tx0032092handoutchapter 36the four rs of praying with. The process of lectio divina a very ancient art, practiced at one time by all christians, is the technique known as lectio divina a slow, contemplative praying of the scriptures which enables the bible, the word of god, to become a means of union with god. Lectio divina what it is, what it is not, and should. Cardinal tagle leads lectio divina at st patricks cathedral melbourne duration. Jan 02, 2020 further, the four principles of lectio divina can also be adapted to the four jungian psychological principles of sensing, thinking, intuiting, and feeling. The term itself means divine reading of the sacred scriptures. The hallmark use i have put the book to is its selections of scripture readings for prayer. The holy spirit is the dynamic source of lectio divina so that means that the holy spirit is at work in all directions. When we practice lectio divina, we can imagine were actually involved in the events of scripture for example, hearing gods words to the israelites in the desert. More than an idea book, this is an experience book. The 4 r s lectio divina sacred reading the 4 r s 1 read lectio.
Lectio divina is derived from a latin word that means holy reading. An overview of lectio divina lectio divina is an ancient practice of enhancing ones prayer life through the power of gods word. Jan 25, 2015 lectio divina reading with god in four movements 1. Lectio divina may sound like a very daunting thing because its latin, but fear not. Lectio divina sacred reading the 4 rs 1 read lectio. Guide to lectio divina from life teen saint matthew. I have used it for prayer, and i have used it for lectio. Outside of a church, it would be helpful to have a holy. Return to that quiet spot youve been savoring throughout our shared practice these last two weeks here s mine and decide how youd like to move through the four stages of lectio divina. Scripture passages for lectio divina sample our pdf handouts for free. The medieval experience of reading 2011, mar y keators lectio divina as conte mplative pedagogy. The christian form of lectio divina was first introduced by st. With a renewed emphasis on productive silence, individual cells, and time dedicated to meditation, the.
Essentially, he says that lectio divina often leads. Meditatiochewing the cud using the imagination and memory. It is a method of reading and praying on scripture and other classics of spirituality like augustines confessions and the imitation of christ. Lectio divina reading with god in four movements 1.
This book compares teresa s approach to prayer with the ancient tradition of lectio divina. Return to that quiet spot youve been savoring throughout our shared practice these last two weeks heres mine and decide how youd like to move through the four stages of lectio divina. Over the past few years an old form of bible reading and interpretation has resurfaced and made quite an impact. Lectio divina and liturgy of hours what place should prayer as in the liturgy of hours limited because of work have in relation to lectio divina. It is actually a very simple and very powerful way to immerse oneself in the word of god. The tradition distinguishes between four steps of lectio divina. The simple prayer practice of lectio divina takes us through four movements, as we are drawn closer to. Benedict, give the third stage as resting in god and the fourth stage as transformed ethical. This book compares teresas approach to prayer with the ancient tradition of lectio divina. When we practice lectio divina, we can imagine were actually involved in the events of scripture for example, hearing god s words to the israelites in the desert. Download pdf lectio divina the sacred art book full free. Sunday gospel readings with lectio divina bible society.
In meeting god in scripture, jan serves us as a seasoned guide to the classic spiritual practice of lectio divina through these forty wellcrafted and inviting meditations. Specifically, i suggest lectio divina offers at least four benefits. Lectio divina reading scripture with god in four movements 2. Guide to lectio divina from life teen please leave this copy here for the next group to read. Gregory of nyssa c 330395, and also encouraged by st. Lectio divina is a dynamic, lifeoriented approach to reading holy scriptures encouraged by both pope john paul ii and pope benedict xvi. Using lectio divina as an inclass contemplative tool. Benedict of nursia c 480547, the founder of the benedictine order. Centering prayer and lectio divina contemplative outreach. Though limited discussion of lectio divina s pedagogical benefits has taken place in formal and informal literature, there has been no extended, formal discussion of the practice s history. Lectio divina lesson planning the religion teacher. Lectio divina is a practice of scripture reading that treats the bible not only as a text to be examined, but also as the living word of god spoken anew to us. Thus, though analytic philosophers may be moved to include.
How would i explain the passages meaning if i were giving a homily. Mar 31, 2003 lectio divina is latin for spiritual reading. Lectio divina sacred reading secular franciscan order. I have written in the past about the basic steps of lectio divina in the past. The spiritual practice of lectio divina worship script. Where others have, i think, come up with novel ways of critiquing it, helm heads straight to the bible. Lectio divina may sound like a very daunting thing because it s latin, but fear not. It is a method of reading and praying on scripture and other classics of spirituality like augustines confessions and. Lectio divina sacred reading the 4 rs lectio divina sacred reading the 4 rs 1 read lectio. First you choose a short passage of scripture and read it very. The practice naturally flows from one part to the next.
May 21, 2014 over the past few years an old form of bible reading and interpretation has resurfaced and made quite an impact. Drawing on her own experience as a monk in the world, christine valters paintner introduces the foundations for a practice of lectio divina. During the first step of lectio divina, you are simply introducing the passage to yourself. Preparation silence we prepare by quieting ourselves before the lord and seeking to get in touch with and amplify our hearts desire to hear his voice. Lectio divina uses different scripture passages at different times and although a passage may be repeated a few.
Contemplative awakening and awareness offers a unique prayer resource that provides a thorough grounding in the different moments of the lectio experience. Lectio divina the sacred art available for download and read online in other formats. It is a term that has been used to refer to a wide variety of methods all with one objective. Elisha prays for his servants eyes to be opened to see the spiritual kingdom of god. We therefore practice it every day, so that we may develop a deep and genuine love for it, and so that we may grow in the surpassing knowledge of christ. Lectio divina and liturgy of hours the school of mary. As in the earliest judaic textual practices, he described four levels of meaning and four approaches to the text. Lectio, or reading, is the first step in the prayer process. It gives us the time to listen attentively to the word, to be sensitive to its action on our hearts, and to reflect on what is being asked of us in our daily lives. Mar 18, 2020 in lectio divina, the chosen spiritual text is read four times in total, giving an opportunity to think deeply about it and respond thoughtfully. Approach it reverentially and expectantly, in a way that savors each word and phrase.
When a person wants to use lectio divina as a prayer form today, the method is. Reading lectioslowly begin reading a biblical passage as if it were a long awaited love letter addressed to you. The four movements of lectio divina historically, lectio divina has been a community practice performed by monks in monasteries, and although it can be taken up individually its community element should not be forgotten. This was a later development that was an attempt to systematize the practices of monks so that it could be faithfully transmitted across generations. Teresa of jesus is the church s great teacher of prayer, and lectio divina, the ancient christian approach to praying over the scriptures, is among the church s most venerable prayer methods. The four movements of lectio divina we read lectio under the eye of god meditatio until the heart is touched oratio and leaps to flame.
Is there a message in the passage that is not obvious. Lectio divina the center for contemplative mind in society. We therefore practice it every day, so that we may develop a deep and genuine love for it, and so that we may grow in. The actual practice of lectio divina begins with a time of relaxation, making oneself comfortable and clearing the mind of mundane thoughts and cares.
Try to slow your thoughts and focus on the presence of god. Teresa of jesus is the churchs great teacher of prayer, and lectio divina, the ancient christian approach to praying over the scriptures, is among the churchs most venerable prayer methods. During the middle ages the act of reading was experienced intensively in the monastic exercise of lectio divina the prayerful scrutiny of passages of scripture, savored in meditation, memorized. Lectio divina is a private devotion and while it s useful to do it in common it was originally designed to be a private experience or encounter with the scriptures. Pdf lectio divina the sacred art download full pdf. The early monks understood that the fruitfulness of a monks prayer depends upon the simplicity, reverence, and openness. The four rs of praying with scripture saint marys press. Praying with scripture before the blessed sacrament is powerful. Latin for reading, meditation, praying and contemplating. Guiding lectio divina it would be most helpful for you to. Pdf lectio divina and the practice of teresian prayer. Guiding lectio divina it would be most helpful for you to read this outline thoroughly before leading your group reflection. David finds strength in the lord when his men turn on him at ziklag.
The lectio divina process ends with resting quietly in gods arms. For some time now i have owned the title, too deep for words. Lectio divina is an ancient prayer method that is most literally known as divine reading. Pdf lectio divina the sacred art download full pdf book. Further, the four principles of lectio divina can also be adapted to the four jungian psychological principles of sensing, thinking, intuiting, and feeling. Centering prayer is a method of prayer in which we consent to rest in gods presence. It is an ancient method of slowly reading the scriptures in a repetitive fashion in order to encounter the presence of god. Leading sheep to a new level of consciousness by wolf tracks blog. Pdf using lectio divina as an inclass contemplative tool.