Lectio Divina

This is a term which may be familiar to those from a Roman Catholic background. Literally, it means "holy reading". I first saw the term in Kathleen Norris' book The Cloister Walk, in which she mentions its use in the Benedictine monestary she is visiting. She notes what an enriching experience it is, yet sadly does not go into detail on how it is practiced.

Finally, about three weeks ago as I am doing my research on prayer, I read a description in Prayer and Temperament. In essence, this technique seems a practical way to "read, mark, and inwardly digest" (see the Book of Common Prayer, Proper 28, pg 236) sacred writings. In brief, it involves:

• Lectio — deep reading. One source recommends reading the selection once several hours before your "official" Lectio Divina time. Then, for deep reading, you would read the passage very slowly, and let words & phrases suggest themselves to you.
• Meditatio — meditating on the scripture. For example, one may apply the forms of imaging prayer discussed below.
• Oratio — prayer inspired by the mediation
• Contemplatio — sit in contemplation of all of these
• This may be explored in more detail in this article titled Accepting the Embrace of God: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina

My entry on Thursday, December 11 titled Matthew 23:26 is the fruit of my practice of Lectio Divina earlier that morning. From time to time, as seems appropriate, I will share others in this space.

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Lectio Matthew 24:45-51

Meditation. Who is the faithful employee?
The employee who dedicates
all her time to the good of the whole
and the enrichment of her fellow employees.
I tell you, the wise employer
will make her a supervisor
or train her to be a business manager.
But if an employee belittles his fellow workers
or uses his status to receive sexual favors
I tell you, the CEO will come
when that employee is playing computer solitaire
and will fire him.
That one will end his days living under an overpass.
His credit will be shredded.
His name will be a warning in the street.
He will end his days like the other hypocrites
whose integrity may be bought for a few million dollars.

Prayer.
I give thanks, Gracious Lover,
that you teach me to walk your path
I give thanks your light
shines on my face
May my eyes be so bold
as to evermore seek you
May I see your countenance
in every rock, tree, field, & flood
May I evermore seek to serve you
through all whom I meet
May I evermore grow into your likeness
and be an icon of your presence in the world.
   So be it.

Contemplate. How I may be a faithful follower of Christ this day.