Lectio Divina (DEVOTION)

Time

25-40 minutes
Description

This method of studying Scripture was originally established by St. Benedict in the 6^th Century.  Lectio Divina means “divine reading.” It focuses on Scripture as the Living Word and engages us holistically: heart, mind, spirit and body. Use this method when you want participants to go deep into a particular Scripture passage and come away with personal Words from God.

 

Scriptures

• Any of your choosing

 

Materials

• Optional – Slide that describes the four parts of Lectio Divina to use as a handout or to project on a screen (You can download the slide from the “Lesson and Material Downloads” page at www.teachingthem.com.  It’s named, “Lectio Divina – Slide.”)
• Optional – Computer, LCD projector and screen if you want to project the slide
• Bible

 

Preparation

• Optional – set up screen and projector to project slide or make copies of the handout for all the participants.
• Practice the script.

 

Procedure

Use the following script (or modify to suit your needs):

• “We’re going to use a method of studying Scripture that was originally established by St. Benedict in the 6^th Century.”
• “It’s called Lectio Divina, which means ‘divine reading.’”
• “It focuses on Scripture as the Living Word and engages us holistically: heart, mind, spirit and body.It is made up of four steps: (Advance slide each time as you mention “heart, mind, spirit and body.”)

1. We Read or Hear the Word and allow it to speak to our hearts. (Advance slide.)
2. We Reflect on the Word with our minds. (Advance slide.)
3. We Respond to the Word by praying through our spirits. (Advance slide.)
4. We Rest in the Presence of God with our bodies. (Advance slide.)

• “Let’s practice this.  I need a volunteer to read the Scripture we’ll study today.”  (Have a volunteer read the Scripture you have chosen.)
• “This was the Read step.”
• “Now, I would like you to Reflect.”
• “Take about five minutes and think about what you’ve heard.”
• “What is God’s personal message for you through His Word today?”
• “If it helps you to journal your thoughts as a way of reflecting, feel free to do so.”  (Allow five minutes for reflection.)
• “Would anyone like to share a personal Word or insight given to you by the Holy Spirit.”  (Allow several people to share.)
• “I need another volunteer to read the same Scripture again.  Listen carefully for words or phrases that God wants to highlight for you.”  (Have a volunteer read the same Scripture.  Sometimes it’s good to try different translations or even different languages if your participants are multi-lingual.)
• “Let’s Reflect again, but this time, do it in your groups (or in pairs).”  (Allow groups or pairs 10 minutes for discussing what they are hearing from the Scriptures.)
• “Okay, let’s read the same passage one more time, listening carefully for God’s unique message for you.”  (Have a volunteer read the passage again.)
• “Now it’s time to Respond and Rest.”
• “Take the next 10 minutes, and pray and rest in God’s Word for you.”
• “You’ll take the first few minutes to pray – or take as long as you need.”
• “When you finish praying, just sit quietly, and try to keep your mind clear.”
• “Allow the Holy Spirit to continue to speak to you during this time. (You can have participants pray individually or in pairs or in a group. After they finish praying, they will sit quietly until the time has expired and just allow the Holy Spirit to continue to speak to them.  When the time is up, you can ask people to share what they heard through the study and how they feel about Lectio Divina as an approach to doing devotions.)