Sunday, October 15, 2006
Lectio Divina
Bonhoefer writes, “Do not ask how you should tell it to others, but ask what it tells you.”
Over the last week, our small group has practiced ‘Lectio Divina’, which is Latin for ‘sacred reading’. Historically, the term was described first by Guigo II in the 12th century:
Reading is the careful study of the Scriptures, concentrating all one’s powers on it. Meditation is the busy application of the mind to seek with the help of one’s own reason for knowledge of hidden truth. Prayer is the heart’s devoted turning to God to drive away evil and obtain what is good. Contemplation is when the mind is in some sort lifted up to God and held above itself, so that it tastes the joys of everlasting sweetness.
The emphasis of ‘sacred’ is with regard to the experience of reflection and meditation of the Scripture reading, rather than the reading of a ‘sacred’/’holy’ text. Therefore – it’s also good to consider these terms which you will apply when practising Lectio Divina together:
Lectio - reading
Meditatio - application of mind
Oratio - prayer
Contemplatio - the cream of the crop, joyous contemplation
Don’t forget – the practise of Lectio Divina is an art, not a science. There is no specific methodology. The biggest tip for Lectio Divina, is that there are no specific ways of practising it, other than while you read the passage out more than once, try some sort of different reflective task with it each time you read it.
For example,
- The group leader reads the passage, with your eyes closed, all relaxed.
After a pause for reflection, the leader then asks the question of the group before they read it out again, ‘While you’re listening, which words stand out to you?’. The reader reads it out again. - The leader then asks the group to share the words of the passage which stood out, and the feelings they had when those words stood out, or explain why in the context of their day, those words stood out.
- The leader then asks the group to consider the other words of significance for other group members, as they read it out again.
- The leader then reads the passage again.
- After some moments of silence, invite members to pray individually as a response to ‘experiencing the passage together’.
Try it – and let us know what happens!
Evening Worship Ideas?
It's nightime. Evening. Dark, yet lovely. There's a group of you. Waiting to share your experience with God together.
It can be a special time of deep intimacy and soul-searching. Most of my momentous encounters with God have occured after dusk, in the most simplest, symbolic & rich ways.
What are some of the best evening worship ideas that you have ever tried, and would suggest for others? Activities? Prayers? Songs? Music? Food? Sharing? Vibe? Reflections? Symbolism? Sounds? Lighting? Art?
Share your ideas!