Lectio Divina
The process below is derived from those published on Busted Halo.com. Thank you Busted Halo.
The quote below is from Cynthia Bourgeault.
The process below is derived from those published on Busted Halo.com. Thank you Busted Halo.
The quote below is from Cynthia Bourgeault.
Prepare
To tune in, maybe light a candle, not because it’s necessary, but because the flame and fragrance are calming. Maybe pray something like, “God, let me hear from you.”
Lectio
(Read)
Read the passage. This first reading is an opportunity to get to know the passage, listening carefully for any words or phrases that seem to jump out. It’s important not to force things, but rather watch for what resonates.
Meditatio
(Reflect)
Re-read and reflect on those words or phrases that resonate or "jump out".
Avoid slipping into “study mode” rather than listening to what God might be saying. Maybe ask, "God, make your message to me clear."
Oratio
(Respond)
Maybe record thoughts in a journal, talk with a partner or small group of friends, or have an honest conversation with God, an important form of prayer.
Contemplatio
(Rest)
Lastly, spend a little time in silence, sitting quietly, allowing God to work. When the mind starts to wander and dart here and there, bring it gently back to stillness again. Contemplation can be broken down into "con" and "temple" or "get with the temple, the temple within."
Personally, I often close by thanking God for the experience and then... go about my day.
To tune in, maybe light a candle, not because it’s necessary, but because the flame and fragrance are calming. Maybe pray something like, “God, let me hear from you.”
Lectio
(Read)
Read the passage. This first reading is an opportunity to get to know the passage, listening carefully for any words or phrases that seem to jump out. It’s important not to force things, but rather watch for what resonates.
Meditatio
(Reflect)
Re-read and reflect on those words or phrases that resonate or "jump out".
Avoid slipping into “study mode” rather than listening to what God might be saying. Maybe ask, "God, make your message to me clear."
Oratio
(Respond)
Maybe record thoughts in a journal, talk with a partner or small group of friends, or have an honest conversation with God, an important form of prayer.
Contemplatio
(Rest)
Lastly, spend a little time in silence, sitting quietly, allowing God to work. When the mind starts to wander and dart here and there, bring it gently back to stillness again. Contemplation can be broken down into "con" and "temple" or "get with the temple, the temple within."
Personally, I often close by thanking God for the experience and then... go about my day.