Praying the Lectio Divina as a Group
21 September 2009
I recently attended a wonderful weekend on work and spirituality led by a Benedictine monk, Brother Dermot from Douai Abbey. I am used to meditating using the Lectio Divina, a form of sacred reading and praying drawn from the Benedictine monastic tradition, but I had never prayed the Lectio as a group before. It was such a powerful experience.
I have just led a group of 100 women at a conference and introduced them to this way of praying. We focused on the Woman at the Well passage in John, and it was amazing the way God ministered to each person. The outline for praying and meditating in this way is printed below:
Lectio Divina Shared in Community:
1. Listening for the Gentle Touch of Christ the Word (The Literal Sense)
1. One person reads aloud (twice) the passage of scripture, as others are attentive to some segment that is especially meaningful to them.
2. Silence for 1-2 minutes. Each hears and silently repeats a word or phrase that attracts.
3. Sharing aloud: [A word or phrase that has attracted each person]. A simple statement of one or a few words. No elaboration.
2. How Christ the Word speaks to ME (The Allegorical Sense)
4. Second reading of same passage by another person.
5. Silence for 2-3 minutes. Reflect on “Where does the content of this reading touch my life today?”
6. Sharing aloud: Briefly: “I hear, I see…”
3. What Christ the Word Invites me to DO (The Moral Sense)
7. Third reading by still another person.
8. Silence for 2-3 minutes. Reflect on “I believe that God wants me to . . . . . . today/this week.”
9. Sharing aloud: at somewhat greater length the results of each one’s reflection. [Be especially aware of what is shared by the person to your right.]
10. After full sharing, pray for the person to your right.
Note: Anyone may “pass” at any time. If instead of sharing with the group you prefer to pray silently , simply state this aloud and conclude your silent prayer with Amen. (Fr Luke Dysinger OSB)
