INTRODUCTION TO Lectio Divina
We have found a very simple, spirit and soul-nurturing way for families to read, learn, and share God's WORD together to grow closer to God and His LOVE. It is called Lectio Divina, (pronounced Lek-so, De-veena).
LENT and Spring Break is a perfect time to practice this sacred reading and praying through Scripture as a family.
Our intent is for you to enjoy the fruit of Family Lectio Divina as you complete your requirements of your Sacramental Preparation.
Here are the simple steps to follow:
STEP 1: Opening Prayer
The divine Presence of the Holy Trinity is with us in every reading of Sacred Scripture. We ask the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to open our minds and hearts to all we are to learn:
(Make the sign of the cross: In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, AMEN)....Say a short prayer in your own words. Example:
Loving God, please open our minds and hearts to your voice and all that you want to teach us today. Help us to seek conversion of our minds and heart to fully live the life of holiness and happiness that you intended. In your Holy Name we pray, AMEN.
STEP 2: Lectio: READ God's Word
Select a short passage of Scripture to be read by a family member.
The first step is to LISTEN to the Word of God. Listen and simply receive the WORD that God the Father speaks to you. (Don't analyze it)
Notice any word or words that catch your attention. We will examine these words in the next step.
Read the passage a couple of times, pausing 20-30 seconds between.
STEP 3: Meditatio, MEDITATION on the Word
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on one or more of the following questions:
What word or words caught my attention?
What in this passage comforted me?
What in this passage challenged me?
Start simple: Have family members share what caught their attention when first starting out.
STEP 4: Oratio. PRAYER
Review the passage one more time. Thank God for whatever the WORD inspires in you.
STEP 5: Contemplatio. CONTEMPLATION
Read the Scripture again. Respond to this question:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me? (parents/godparents)
How is God inviting me to change and grow? (children and youth)
SAMPLE FOR YOU TO FOLLOW for PRACTICE:
Let's practice with last Sunday's Gospel reading: John 11:3-7, 17, 20-278, 33b-45.
STEP 1: OPEN WITH PRAYER
In the Name of the Holy Trinity: Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Almighty God, please guide our minds and hearts as we read and learn from your word today. AMEN.
STEP 2: READ
Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
Read John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45
Read a few verses for first time practice like: John 11:25, 38-41, 43-44
(page 1680 in the Catholic Children's Bible)
Show a video for the younger children for a multimedia "listening".
STEP 3: MEDITATION
What word or words caught my attention?
"You would see the glory of God if you believed" .
I AM the resurrection and the life.
Definitions:
Glory of God:
God's glory is how God reveals his goodness in each of us being fully alive as God intended. Jesus intended for Lazarus to be brought back to "full life" from the dead through God's very Presence in him as the RESURRECTION.
Resurrection: NEW life after death
STEP 4. PRAYER
Thank God for whatever the WORD inspires in you.
Thank you God for always being with us to guide us.
Thank you for giving us NEW life with you forever!
Thank you for promising us that we can live forever with you if we believe in you.
STEP 5: CONTEMPLATION
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
How is God inviting me to change and grow?
How can I give glory to God through my own life?
I can share how God has blessed my life with forgiveness and new life.
I can share the blessings and gifts God has given me with those in greatest need.
