Description
Notes
Lectio Divina is a particular practice of meditating on Scripture that is at least a thousand years old, practiced (amongst others) by Augustinian and Benedictine Monks. It is a practice that will be more familiar to those from a Liturgical Christian background. Some use it daily as part of their spiritual exercises. For people who are not used to shaping their prayer and meditation in this way, it can seem strange at first. We easily get captured by the head, rather than listening for the gentle whispers of the Spirit.
Another trap I easily fall into is the desire to ‘get it right’. I seek too anxiously after the quality of the experience- almost as if my performance is being assessed by God. But there is no ‘goal’ in this process- no pre-determined hard outcome. Rather there is the need to rest in God, and pray with some given words- to trust to the simplicity of time spent seeking the Living God. Trust ourselves, but above all- trust that as we turn to him, he draws near. The best way to understand the practice is to consider it as feasting on holy beautiful words, in four courses;
At first, we take a big bite (Lectio), then we chew on it (Meditatio). Then we appreciate the flavour and goodness (Oratio) and finally we digest it and let it fuel and sustain us (Contemplatio.)
You are invited to take the practice out of the cloister into wild country. This for two reasons;
1. Reframing spiritual practices can bring refreshment.
2. Walking gives us the opportunity to pace out our thoughts. We can find a deeper rhythm, and a chance to still the busy mind, making room for the Spirit.
Preparation- transition
You will need a pre-chosen passage of scripture. There are some suggestions available, or you can use your own.
1. Walk until you are in private space. Stand still and breathe slowly and regularly
2. At first appreciate the silence. Then become aware of what is around you- the sounds of wind, of birds, of distant falling water
3. Lift your face to the sky- e aware of standing in the middle of it all. Give thanks for the life in you and around you
4. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your companion on the way. Ask him to teach you to listen.
Continues...
Lectio Divina is a particular practice of meditating on Scripture that is at least a thousand years old, practiced (amongst others) by Augustinian and Benedictine Monks. It is a practice that will be more familiar to those from a Liturgical Christian background. Some use it daily as part of their spiritual exercises. For people who are not used to shaping their prayer and meditation in this way, it can seem strange at first. We easily get captured by the head, rather than listening for the gentle whispers of the Spirit.
Another trap I easily fall into is the desire to ‘get it right’. I seek too anxiously after the quality of the experience- almost as if my performance is being assessed by God. But there is no ‘goal’ in this process- no pre-determined hard outcome. Rather there is the need to rest in God, and pray with some given words- to trust to the simplicity of time spent seeking the Living God. Trust ourselves, but above all- trust that as we turn to him, he draws near. The best way to understand the practice is to consider it as feasting on holy beautiful words, in four courses;
At first, we take a big bite (Lectio), then we chew on it (Meditatio). Then we appreciate the flavour and goodness (Oratio) and finally we digest it and let it fuel and sustain us (Contemplatio.)
You are invited to take the practice out of the cloister into wild country. This for two reasons;
1. Reframing spiritual practices can bring refreshment.
2. Walking gives us the opportunity to pace out our thoughts. We can find a deeper rhythm, and a chance to still the busy mind, making room for the Spirit.
Preparation- transition
You will need a pre-chosen passage of scripture. There are some suggestions available, or you can use your own.
1. Walk until you are in private space. Stand still and breathe slowly and regularly
2. At first appreciate the silence. Then become aware of what is around you- the sounds of wind, of birds, of distant falling water
3. Lift your face to the sky- e aware of standing in the middle of it all. Give thanks for the life in you and around you
4. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your companion on the way. Ask him to teach you to listen.
Continues...
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