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Starting this week, we’ll be sharing a new resource for your personal formation: a Lectionary-based Bible Study designed to help you (and your family) gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Sacred Scripture and the Holy Mass by looking at the readings for the upcoming Sunday. This study can be done at your own pace right from the comfort of your own smart device!
However, we don’t just want to give you a summary of the readings and have it go in one ear and out the other (or one eye and out the other? We’re assuming you’re reading this, not hearing it…). In fact, we’ll be posting this study as a weekly blog on our website with steps for you to specifically pray with the upcoming Sunday readings. This way of praying is known as Lectio Divina.
WHAT IS LECTIO DIVINA?
Lectio Divina simply means “Divine Reading.” It is an ancient way of praying with and meditating on Sacred Scripture, having been practiced as early as the 4th century.
When we engage in Lectio, we are consuming the texts of Scripture as we “chew” and “digest” the passages so that they may become our daily spiritual energy to act in the world around us.
HOW DO WE PRAY LECTIO DIVINA?
Before you begin, have the chosen passage (for example, the Gospel of the day) open and ready — this can be on a computer browser, but it’d be much more prayerful if you had your own Bible open.
Take a moment to open in prayer. Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart and mind and ask Him to inspire this time of prayer.
I. LECTIO — READ
This is different from reading a fiction novel or the news. It’s not meant to be a quick reading or scanning of the text. It’s important to take time to read the passage slowly and to really savor each word. Many find it helpful to re-read the passage twice or even three times (and slower each time) in order to really process and digest the passage.
II. MEDITATIO — MEDITATE
Meditate on the passage and see if any words or phrases stand out to you. Focus on them and try to see what the Lord is trying to tell you through them. Many people also find it helpful to imagine oneself in the scene as well (What do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear?).
III. ORATIO — PRAY
Pray with the passage, in particular, with what is standing out to you. What do you want to tell the Lord? What is it that you desire to bring to Him? What have these meditations stirred in your heart?
IV. CONTEMPLATIO — CONTEMPLATE
Sit with your prayer and thoughts. Wait for the stirring of God in your heart. Remember, you may not necessarily feel anything, but we are not here for an emotional reaction; we are here to abide with the Lord through His Word.
V. OPERATIO — ACT
Now that you’ve prayed and meditated with the passage, do something with what you’ve received! Ask yourself: What am I called to do with all of this? How is the Holy Spirit inspiring me to take action? Maybe the Lord inspired you to reach out to someone or to go to Confession. Follow that prompting!
As you finish contemplating how you will act, offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit and ask for the grace to carry out your prayer in both word and deed.
HOW CAN I GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS?
Make Time. Even if it’s just 10-20 minutes a week, taking time out of our days to pray with Scripture is an important trait of a disciple. It’s especially powerful when we prepare for Mass on Sunday by reading (and praying with) the readings ahead of time.
Intentionally Pray. Don’t just read to get more knowledge — pray with the Scriptures. It’s already a step of the process, but sincerely ask God to open your heart and to inspire you to take the passages to heart. The more we know the Scriptures, the more we will come to know Christ.
Buddy System. It’s said that saints come in clusters — where you find one, you’ll often find another. If you really want to take it to the next level, find someone else to pray Lectio with. Maybe it’s with a friend on a weekend or it’s with your spouse in the morning over coffee. What better way to deepen your friendship/relationship than by pursuing the Word of God together?
As we launch this new initiative, we pray that it will be fruitful to you and your journey as a disciple! After all, everything we do here at the Church of St. Peter’s is with the goal to make Jesus Christ known and loved. What better way to fall deeper in love with our Lord than by getting to know Him through His Word?
P.S. — If you’re looking for a quiet spot to pray and study, why not stop by our Adoration Chapel?
