Lent Groups 2008 - Lectio

Lectio Divina comes to us from the Benedictine tradition and means holy or sacred reading - but reading with a difference. 

Lectio is reading 'with attitude'. Lectio is reading, listening to the Word of God with the 'ear of the heart' (St Benedict) and responding to it both in our prayer and in the whole of our life.

Prayer and Lectio are inseparably linked. Lectio is not a preparation for prayer, but prayer itself, where we allow the Word of God to have the freedom of our minds and hearts. We read, not to acquire information, but to interact with the Word of God, to be nourished by the Word and to respond to what God is offering us.

Lectio is reflecting on a small portion of the text. It is a different approach to the way we would normally read the bible - a way of reading slowly and with reverence and appreciation.

• Meditatio - encounter

  Here the mind probes the scriptures, seeking the truth and wisdom hidden there. We 'encounter' God in the text.

• Oratio - reflection

  Responding to the Word or phrase that has touched you, turning it over and over, asking what it means for you today.

• Contemplation - contemplation

  This is letting the Word sink into you and receiving what God is offering.

• Evangelizatio - responding

  The turning around to look at God - living your response to the Word of God.

• Ruminatio - continued pondering

  The continued pondering, or carrying, of the Word within as you go about your daily tasks.

There are sign-up sheets at the back of the church.