Lectio Divina
Reading and savouring the Word
Invitations from God
“Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” (I Sam 3:10)
“He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:9)
“Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. (Isaiah 55:2)
Purpose
• This prayerful reading of Scripture is meant to be an experience of hearing and receiving words from God in the here and now.
• Lectio Divina has been compared to feasting on the Word.
• This is one way of letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Col 3:16)
Practice
• In a quiet setting, read the passage out loud at least twice.
• Pay attention to the word or phrase that grabs you.
• In silence, allow God to use that word or phrase to speak to your heart.
• Don’t try to figure out the whole passage, enjoy and savor what God is saying to you.
• What is the word or phrase stirring up in your heart? Write down your ideas.
• Read the passage out loud again. Pause for another minute of silence while you ponder the question: “Since what I have been meditating on is true, then what is my response?”
• If you are in a group, give opportunity to talk to each other about what God is saying to each of you.