Those in the Catholic tradition might be aware of this Latin phrase, but it was new to me and something about it drew me in. I read the words in an article somewhere and jotted them down to investigate. I've always been fascinated with ancient monastic writings and practices and was exposed to many when I participated in a Bible study based on Devotional Classics, edited by Richard Foster.
I've tried many approaches to my morning quiet time. When one gets stale, I seek out a fresh one. In this pearl of a phrase, Lectio Divina has proved to be as fresh and delicious as Emma's homemade bread. I wake up eager to move to my place, open God's Word, discover His message for me.
There are many books available on what it is and how to do it. I'm glad I randomly picked Tony Jones' Encountering God Through the Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina. It's written from a contemporary pastor dad of small children who is even from Minnesota. It's worth reading an in-depth book before you try it, but here it is in a nutshell. Four steps:
Lectio- reading...choose a short section of Scripture. I use an on-line lectionary to guide my daily reading. Read it over and over and over, 10 or 15 times.
Meditatio- meditate on the word or phrase that most caught your attention and stirred up an emotional response. Explore it. Lean into it. Think hard on it.
Oratio- prayer...pray your response back to God. Whether you need to repent, offer thanks, intercede, or all of them, do it now. Silence is a valid response as well.
Contemplatio- Let go. Close your eyes and quiet your mind in God's love. I envision myself plunging backward into the ocean of God or resting in his strong arms. Clear your head of all thoughts but for sweet communion with Him.
When I ease back into the day, I realize I have been in a vortex of worship, communion, and interaction with the Holy Word. I briefly journal my reading selection and thoughts, especially the phrase that came forth in meditatio. I find that questions have been answered, my cup has been filled, my mind has been fixed on holiness, and I can enter into the day with gladness. For me, it takes about 30 minutes.
This is obviously not an inductive style of study. I've done those and they serve a different, yet equally meaningful purpose. I think I will stick with this practice for awhile, because nothing compares to the sense of encountering God at the break of day.
We studied this in the class I taught this summer. I'm so excited that you are trying it out! God promises to fill the hungry with good things; it is only the complacent whom He sends away empty-handed (Luke 1:53) ~ Vicki
ReplyDeleteFor a moment I thought perhaps you attended theStudio hosted by the Fagan's downtown last night. This was the topic of discussion. I didn't get to attend this time. This particular entry has refreshed me. Thank you for the reminder of stillness before God and validating the idea that I can envision falling into His arms!
ReplyDelete