Class - Reading the Bible for Liberation - Session 8 - Contemplative Methods

Praying the questions of Jesus

• Resource: 50 Ways to Pray

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is one of the great treasures of the Christian tradition of prayer. It means Divine Reading, which is reading the book we believe to be divinely inspired. This tradition of prayer flows out of a Hebrew method of studying the Scriptures which was an interactive interpretation of the Scriptures by means of the free use of the text to explore its inner meaning. It was part of the devotional practice of the Jews in the days of Jesus.

Lectio Divina is the most traditional way of cultivating friendship with Christ. It is a way of listening to the texts of scripture as if we were in conversation with Christ and He was suggesting the topics of conversation. It is listening with the “ear” of the heart. The daily encounter with Christ and reflection on His Word leads beyond mere acquaintanceship to an attitude of friendship, trust and love.

Lectio Divina and Bible Study

Bible Study is the reading of the scriptures for information and an understanding of the context of the passage. It provides a solid conceptual background for the practice of Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is a reflective reading of scripture. It is a method of prayer that leads us into the deeper meaning of scripture and the transformation of our lives. A contemplative reading of the Scriptures is compatible with well-grounded interpretation of the Bible.

Guidelines for Lectio Divina

Moment One: Lectio. Read the Scripture

Read passage as slowly as you can. Listen with the “ear of your heart.” What phrase, sentence or even single word stands out to you? Begin to repeat that phrase, sentence or one word over and over, allowing it to settle deeply in your heart. And then read the passage slowly at least two more times, stopping to consider certain phrases or words or questions that may arise.

Pause to write down that word or phrase, and any reflections you may have at this point.

Moment Two: Meditatio. Reflect.

Read the passage yet again, but now attempt to place yourself into the story or passage. Place yourself as one the characters within the story. Or simply imagine that the words on the page are words that you yourself are speaking to God. Use your senses. If you were a character, would you be seeing, touching, tasting, hearing, smelling? What emotions would be rising up within you? Reflect on and relish the words, thoughts, and feelings. Let them resound in your heart. Let an attitude of quiet receptiveness permeate the prayer time. Be attentive to what speaks to your heart.

Again, pause to write down what you may be thinking or feeling at this point.

Moment Three: Oratio. Pray.

Speak to God as you continue to listen to a phrase, sentence or word. A prayer of praise, thanksgiving or petition may arise. It may arise out of the emotions or feeling you’re having as you consider the passage.

Once again, it may be appropriate to write down a prayer.

Moment Four: Contemplatio. Rest in God.

Simply “be with” God’s presence as you open yourself to a deeper hearing of the Word of God. Sit in silence, allowing the choppy waves of your soul to come to place of stillness and rest. If you feel drawn back to the scriptures, follow the lead of the Spirit.

Praying the Hours

https://www.amazon.com/Divine-HoursTM-Pocket-Phyllis-Tickle-ebook/dp/B000S1LX16/ref=sr_1_5?crid=25IULSM74GI79&keywords=divine+hours+phyllis+tickle&qid=1647446976&s=digital-text&sprefix=divine+hours%2Cdigital-text%2C79&sr=1-5&pldnSite=1

Writing Psalms Other Resources

https://pray-as-you-go.org/

https://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/resources