Lectio Divina
1. Preparation:
- • Dim the lights, if you like, set a prayer focus/light a candle
- • Lectio Divina is meditative and prayerful listening to the Word of God. Choose a short biblical text. Read it out aloud or ask someone to read it to you. Then reflect briefly on the text/author’s time, place and context (biblical commentaries can help you to do this) but move toward the deeper contemplation of how God speaks now into your heart.
- •. Lectio is a time to slow down, to reflect on words/experiences for personal meaning, not for information. It is a time to enter into the Word of God and to be aware of the indwelling Spirit of God with you.
- • The fundamental question is: how does the Word of God strike you personally, now, as you listen afresh? – there is no right answer.
- • You might go through a short relaxation exercise before you start, mindful breathing or centring prayer.
2. Process:
- • Choose a short passage of Scripture and listen to it as it is read three times (read it aloud if you are alone).
Read the Passage a first time
- • MOMENT ONE: Listen to the passage with the ear of the heart, let the words sink in deeply, like you would when you’re reading poetry.
Pause.
Read the Passage a second time
- • MOMENT TWO: Reflect on the passage paying attention to how it speaks to you personally. There may be one particular word or phrase that stays with you. You might repeat the word or phrase within, or say it out loud to help you to deepen your prayer.
Pause.
Read the Passage a third time:
- • MOMENT THREE: Respond in prayer. Express your thoughts and feelings spontaneously to God. Don’t worry about phrasing too much, but be aware, mindful.
Pause.
- • MOMENT FOUR: Rest silently in God’s presence (1 to 5 minutes). Let go of your reflections and simply be present. Repeating a word or phrase can help you sustain this time (eg Lord, Come Holy Spirit, Abba, Jesus, or use your own favoured address for God). Don’t worry if thoughts rise, it is natural. But let them go in peace and return to the present by repeating the word or phrase.
3. Conclusion:
- • Conclude with a short prayer, and reflect on how the prayer experience has
informed your actions in daily life.
- • By way of extension, you could keep a prayer journal and review your journey from time to time, eg:
a) How am I being challenged to change my behaviour in daily life?
b) In what ways am I being challenged to engage in life more generously, or
to discontinue harmful activities?
c) How has the prayer given me a new sense of direction?
d) How could I take action to make this come about?
Tonnau Duw ('God's waves') Fr Tim Ardouin 