Lectio Divina
The word of God is at the basis of all authentic Christian spirituality.  – Pope Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini (§86)  
 
Today, I am continuing to offering a practical guide to engage these days of Lent – and these strange days of isolation – as a ‘long retreat’ according to the advice of Pope Benedict XVI in his Angelus Address of February 21, 2010.  We began to look at this address on Sunday, see my blog post… although I didn’t actually make it clear, yesterday I started this effort of offering some practical thoughts and clarifications with the first topic: prayer.  The way of the ‘long retreat’ of lent – according to the Angelus of 2/21/2010 – is comprised of prayer, listening to the Word of God, and penance.  So, now that I have made it clear what I am doing… hopefully, gaining some practical understanding of these topics is of interest to you… let’s get to this second part: ‘listening to the Word of God.’ 
 
Engaging the Word of God can be a bit challenging, although for the Christian it is an absolute necessity.  This quote, from Verbum Domini, inspires and encourages us to engage the Word of God during Lent and at all times, so as to grow in our relationship with God: “The word of God is at the basis of all authentic Christian spirituality.’ 
 
In the past few days of blogging – which I hope have been good for you, the posts take a bit more time than I imagined (thus, the occasional late-afternoon post) but I am enjoying the effort – I have tried to stress the importance of reading the Bible and incorporating the Sacred Scriptures in your prayer (See ‘ How can I, unless someone instructs me?’ and ‘ Tolle Lege! Tolle Lege!’). 
 
In this post I want to focus on Lectio Divina and give you some practical helps on ‘listening to the Word of God’ as we continue in this time of challenges – as well as graces – together. 
 
A method of approaching the Sacred Scriptures
 
There are many ways to read, pray with, and contemplate the Word of God.  Lectio Divina is one of these methods, and it is one recommended by the Saints and the Church for the good of all the Faithful.  With so many endorsements, it seems to me that this is the model to follow as we seek to ‘listen to the Word of God’ during these unique days. 
 
A few thoughts on this method as we begin.  No doubt the entirety of Verbum Domini is worthy of reading, however Sections 86-87 (just a few paragraphs) are of particular importance as they consider Lectio Divina.  A few further words on the subject:
 
First, this blog post (embedded in a link above) is very good: Introduction to Lectio Divina by Father Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.
 
“Reading seeks, meditation finds, prayer asks, contemplation feels. Reading puts as it were whole food into your mouth; meditation chews it and breaks it down; prayer finds its savor; contemplation is the sweetness that so delights and strengthens. Reading is like the bark, the shell; meditation like the pith, the nut; prayer is in the desiring asking; and contemplation is in the delight of the great sweetness” -- Blessed Guigo the Carthusian
 
 
Lectio Divina is a "prayerful reading" of the Sacred Scriptures" that unfolds in four basic steps – some will add one or more steps, but this is the classical method:
 
- the "lectio": what the biblical text itself says;
 
- the "meditatio": what the biblical text is saying to us;
 
- the "oratio": what we say to God in response to his Word;
 
- the "contemplatio": what conversion of mind, heart, and life God is asking of us.
 
PS – there is also a program on Lectio Divina on FORMED.org, certainly one of many good resources available.
 
Here is an example to get you started, from the Carmelites – I hope it helps.
 
 
 
Know of my prayers for you, please pray for me!
 
Father Wilke
 
Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us!