By: Francine Pirola
Lectio Divina is an ancient and powerful way of praying with scripture. It is so simple that it can be used every day. Yet it is also powerful, drawing forth deep riches from The Word of God. Following five steps, preparing, listening, reflecting, responding and acting on The Word, this prayer is like a dialogue with God. The choice of scripture passage is up to you — you can use the Gospel of the coming Sunday, the Gospel of the day, a passage chosen at random or work your way through one book of the bible day by day.
1. Prepare to Hear the Word
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Son of the Living God.
Teach me to listen to what you tell me in the Holy Scriptures.
Let me hear your voice and discover your face in your Holy Word.
Amen.
Period of stillness and silence as we prepare to receive The Word.
2. Listen to The Word — Reading
First reading of the text: listen for a word or phrase that stands out for you. Silently let The Word penetrate your heart.
3. Reflect on The Word — Share
Share the phrase which has stood out for you. Do not comment on others’ contributions or elaborate on your own; just listen and let the phrase stay with you. Let The Word of God speak into your heart and allow silence in between each contribution.
4. Respond to The Word — Prayer
Second reading of the text.
Reflect: What is the passage telling you about your life? What have you learned about God from the passage? What is God calling you to do?
Share your prayer which emerges from the text aloud.
Concluding Prayer: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
5. Act on The Word
Take The Word into your daily life with action based on your reflection.
Credit to Francine Pirola of SmartLoving and CathFamily.