An ancient spiritual practice, lectio divina is a deliberate, contemplative praying of Scripture. It is Latin for “divine reading” and invites us to open our hearts to the living Word.
Lectio divina can be practiced in a group or individually. To begin a solitary session, sit down with your Bible in a quiet place and choose a brief passage. Breathe deeply, relax, and ready yourself to really listen — to absorb God’s Word. Read through the passage and then be still for several minutes, silently ruminating on it.
Is there a word or phrase that sticks in your mind? What feelings does it evoke? How is it speaking directly to you? Repeat this process several times. Notice what thoughts emerge. Close the session with prayer and journal about your experience.
Tomorrow: “Pray the Jesus prayer”
Today is the first Sunday in Lent. We remember Cyril, monk, who died 869; and Methodius, bishop, who died in 885; both missionaries to the Slavs. We also observe Valentine’s Day. This message is adapted from “Adding something for Lent” by Laura Gentry from the March 2006 issue of Cafe.
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