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 Known
by the Latin name of Lectio Divina, this is a centuries
old method of praying with Scriptures.
This method especially suited to praying the psalms, parts
of the prophets, wisdom literature, and the epistles.
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First, choose the passage you
intend to pray.
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Enter into the prayer in a
quiet place in a comfortable yet attentive posture.
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Mark the start of the prayer
by recognising you are in the presence of God.
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Be aware of your own needs
- what gift or grace do you feel you need to ask of
God?
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Slowly read the passage
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Stop where a word of phrase
strikes you.
Savour it, stay with it as long as there is something
in it for you. The passage may trigger off thoughts
on your own life - that is fine.
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Talk to God in your own words,
or simply stay in silence before God.
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When you are ready, or if you
become distracted, move on to the next phrase, and
again, stop when something strikes you. Take your
time.
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When your prayer time is finished,
end with a short prayer.
The idea is not so much to think about the passage
as to let it engage your feelings, emotions and life.
The questions to ask when looking back on the prayer are:
What struck me?
How did I react and feel?
Does this tell me anything about
God, myself, or the way I relate to God or to others?
Beuno's 2007-8
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