Traditionally Lectio Divina has 4 separate steps: 1. Read, 2. Meditate, 3. Pray and 4. Contemplate. First a passage of Scripture is read, then its meaning is reflected upon. This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God.
The roots of Scriptural reflection and interpretation go back to Origen in the 3rd century, after whom St. Ambrose taught them to St. Augustine. The monastic practice of Lectio Divina was first established in the 6th century by Saint Benedict.
In the 20th century, the constitution Dei Verbum of Pope Paul VI recommended Lectio Divina for the general public. Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of Lectio Divina in the 21st century.
This is such an interesting, and holy exercise, which I suggest should be taken up by one and all. It can be done every single day, or every now and then. But once we start on it, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will not let a day pass without applying it on a regular basis.
Actually there are no fixed rules on how to go about it. But we have to bear in mind that this is not a ‘study’. The aim is not to know the origin of the words, the etymology, or the nature of the circumstances when the words were spoken, or information. It’s one and only aim is to get closer to God, to make contact with God, letting the Holy Spirit be your one and only Guide.
As I have already said the aim is to get closer and closer to God through Faith. So we have to choose a short Text, sometimes even a single sentence, or still a single word.
To start with, find an intimate, comfy place, where you feel that you can meet God in silence, in quiet, away from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of life, a secluded place where you will not be disturbed. Out of reach of mobile phones, telephone ringing or street noises. This is your ‘personal meeting time, period with your Creator. Nothing and no one should get in the way.
It would help if you play some smooth background music; Gregorian Chant, Church or Choral Music, Organ Music, Ambience Music, or any other choice which gives you the feeling that you are ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’.
Light a candle, keep in front of you a favourite picture of ‘The Lord Jesus Christ’; it could be the Sacred Heart, The Divine Mercy Picture, the Good Shepherd … whatever. I even put my favourite coffee mug close by, simply, to feel ‘at home’. Because this is going to be an intimate occasion to meet your Lover.
All these little things, day by day help you create a personal atmosphere in your meeting with the LORD. Make the Sign of the Cross and invite the Holy Spirit, who is already in you … through Baptism … to help you, by making up a short Prayer or you can read a favourite Holy Spirit Prayer. Suggested Prayer …
Introductory Prayer:
“ ‘Shaddai’, Almighty God, God of the universe, God of the hills and of the mountains, God of the oceans and the springs, You, who can change our weak and fragile nature into a strong ‘rock’, a strong mountain where You can make Your abode, send Your Holy Spirit upon us, to take control of our mind, our will. Help us strike on that rock in the arid desert, from where springs of water gush out, to quench our thirst for Your Word.
May our mind, simple, lowly and poor cover us as the dark mantle of the night, from where we can listen to the sound of silence, so that our hearts may open wide its doors and catch the echo of Your voice, in a new-born day, whilst, little by little, we feel enshrouded by the rosy fingers of morning, and there we behold …YOU, Almighty God. “
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