Lectio Divina on Sacred Community

Jan 15, 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

Lectio Divina is not limited to meditating on scripture, but can be used on a variety of “texts.” This week we will practice lectio divina using the community as a “text.” Think about different parts of your community: your Sunday School class, your family, a service group, your workplace. Select a particular event in one of those groups that has been meaningful or troubling to you recently.

First, spend some time in silence to center yourself.

1. Reading (lectio): Replay the event in your mind. Remember the relationships present, the words and gestures exchanged. What stands out to you in this memory? What part of it seems to invite more attention? Is there a word, phrase, action, sound, image that draws you?
2. Meditation (meditatio): Turn over the word or image in your mind. Where does it lead you? What mood does it evoke? How does it make you feel? What does God want you to hear today?
3. Prayer (oratio): Now is your turn to speak. What do you want to say to God about this experience? What feelings, joys, troubles does it bring up for you to share with God? Open your heart to God.
4. Contemplation (contemplatio): Finally, allow yourself to sit quietly in God’s presence. Feel God’s love embracing you. What did you learn? What did you share? What will you take with you as you deepen your relationship with God through your interactions with others?