A practical approach to Lectio Divina

Thursday, April 09, 2009

By Christine Schicker

Article Tools

Discuss

If modern Catholics want to develop a fruitful prayer life, they need to go “old school” with their approach, says Dr. Tim Gray, author of the newly released Praying Scripture for a Change: An Introduction to Lectio Divina.

At a universal synod on Scripture in Rome in October 2009, Pope Benedict XVI called particular attention to the practice of lectio divina. “I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of ‘lectio divina, ‘” said the Holy Father. “If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church—I am convinced of it—a new spiritual springtime.”

Praying Scripture for a Change, released in anticipation of Lent, aids people in learning how to enter into a true dialogue with God. “Prayer is not an activity that comes about easily,” says Gray. “It is essentially a conversation with God, but our speaking to God is only half of the conversation. The other half must come as God speaks to us. The problem is that many do not know how to hear God when He is speaking. Through the ancient practice of lectio divina we learn how Scripture opens up to us this other half of the dialogue of prayer.”

In this practical guide to prayer, Gray examines the practice of lectio divina to demonstrate how to hear God speaking through the Scriptures. He explores the four “rungs” that make up the steps to lectio divina, steps that have helped ordinary men and women become extraordinary saints by learning this ancient and simple method of prayer.

“Once Christians learn to practice lectio divina,” says Dr. Gray, “their eyes will be opened to an amazing reality—God is speaking directly to them through the Holy Scriptures.”

Praying Scripture for a Change is available from Ascension Press at www.AscensionPress.com.

Filed under religion, technology, christianity, catholic, literature, pope benedict xvi

Christian

Featured

Chicano Christmas
more
Heavenly gifts from monasteries for Christmas
The monastic tradition has given the world so much. Where would we be without Benedictine? Chartreuse? Champagne? See what else the monastics have to offer for Christmas. more
Contemplating the Gospel: Come out of the man, evil spirit
more
The Church: Sorrowing Mother
Mater Dolorosae weeps are she perceives her children urged on to death by mortal sin. more
Pope: Rediscover the meaning of Sunday
Pope speaks on beginning of Advent more
Evangelical inspired by Catholic clergy
Ministers because of guidance and wonderful acts of kindness by priests, many nuns, and a Catholic junior college more
Church must overcome Christian division
Pope: There are new divisions forming in the field of ethics more
Cuba: First church to open in 43 years
At least two generations of Cubans did not even know what Christianity was. more
Kirk Cameron's show begins second season
Evangelical television ministry goes into 'dark areas' to witness about Christ more

Comments

Popular Right Now

Obama has put an end to the American Experiment
Hedonism has become America's official religion.
On St Valentine's Day it is time to reflect on love
On St. Valentine's Day, let us examine our consciences and reflect upon our behavior towards others. Seek the source of Love.
Obamacare is about the lust for abortion
Obama would like nothing bettert than to force all religious institutions to provide abortion coverage. But the foremost issue is religious liberty.
Obama administration's insincere spokesmen
Obama administration minions, including David Axelrod, are spinning Obama's decision to mandate sterilization and contraception for religiously-affiliated institutions.
President Obama: Catholics are not second-rate citizens
The Catholic Church, in an official capacity, is tellings its faithful to practice full-on civil disobedience should Obama's contraceptoin mandate continue.

Popular Commentary

Obama adds insult to injury to Americans
Obama has put an end to the American Experiment
Hedonism has become America's official religion.
On St Valentine's Day it is time to reflect on love
On St. Valentine's Day, let us examine our consciences and reflect upon our behavior towards others. Seek the source of Love.
Obamacare is about the lust for abortion
Obama would like nothing bettert than to force all religious institutions to provide abortion coverage. But the foremost issue is religious liberty.
Pope Benedict's Lenten message
Lent is a time to reflect on the very heart of Christian faith: charity.

New World News

Singer Whitney Houston, dead at 48
Sundered by drug abuse and a slumping career, the talented and once beautiful Whitney Houston has passed away.
Pakistan: Short stories in Punjabi, to promote Christian values and common good
Fr. Mukhtar Alam has published a volume of stories of his mother. Stories that give "light" to those who are in the "dark" and teach the common good. At presentation, near the cathedral of Faisalabad, intellectuals, writers and leaders of the Church of Pakistan Muslim.
Hong Kong: Hong Kong, jobs emergency: workers shortage by 2018
One government study confirms need for 14 thousand workers by 2018 to maintain economic growth at current levels. Behind this there are restrictive policies on birth control imposed by Beijing and the decision not to give citizenship to those born in the Territory.
Myanmar: Monk Gambira, leader of the Saffron Revolution, free again
The authorities had yesterday detained him "for questioning". First released only a month ago, Gambira has spent the past three years in prison for leading protests by monks against the Burmese government.
India: Karnataka: Jesuits and schools targeted by Hindu nationalists
Three attacks since 2011 at St. Joseph's PU College, Anekal. The religious are accused of not having displayed the national flag on Republic Day, but the president has always denied this. Silence of police and authorities. Sajan George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC): ...

RSS

Twitter

Facebook

Google+
Submit a tip
Advertise
Terms of use
Privacy Policy
Contact