Lectio Divina

Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow;
it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 
Hebrews 4:12

But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those
who hear the word of God and do it.”
Luke 8:21

He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called The Word of God.
Revelation 19:13
 

The Pastoral team are offering lectio divina as an online faith development initiative, by which participants can ponder on the Word of God for the coming weekend’s Mass.

Lectio divina (literally divine reading) is a way of becoming immersed
in the Word of God, drawing on ancient Jewish ways of reading the scriptures. It can be done individually or with a group. The Christian form of lectio divina is a way of coming closer into relationship with God by meditating on his Words. Initially it was introduced by St Gregory of Nyssia (c.330-395) and encouraged by St Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine order.

There are various ways of practising lectio divina. At Holy Trinity, we read the text four times, with time to go deeper and more thoughtfully into it. This allows us to personally become “present” in the scripture events ourselves. 
 

The Holy Spirit moves us as we read and ponder:
Prepare - take time to prepare a “space”, both physically and mentally, for the reading.

Lectio (Read) - Read the passage out loud, attentive to any words and phrases which may particularly resonate. We await the Holy Spirit’s gentle guidance in this – what image especially comes to mind? 

Meditatio (Reflect) – We read the passage again, this time each quietly to ourselves, allowing us to focus more keenly on the words and phrases which we especially noted the first time. Sometimes we might re-read some verses to reflect more deeply on the parts where the Holy Spirit seems to be directing. We think more deeply and dwell on a spiritual reality in the text.

Oratio (Respond) – The passage is read a third time – this time out loud again.  We then take time to respond – either writing our thoughts, or sharing our thoughts with the group. We also respond in prayer, in a loving conversation with God.

Contemplatio (Rest) – Finally, we each read the passage quietly again, and then spend about 10 minutes in silent contemplation. Here we rest in God’s presence, allowing God to work. We don’t need to pray or meditate.  When the mind wanders, we bring it back to stillness again.

Lectio divina is not an end in itself.  It helps to hear specifically and individually from God through his Word, guided by the Holy Spirit allowing our relationship with God to deepen. The session at Holy Trinity can also be used as a starting-point for our own individual daily lectio divina practice.

To receive the ZOOM meeting link, please contact the Pastoral Centre.