Origen (182-254 AD) was the first to use the term lectio divina.(1) He used the term in a letter describing the importance of reading divine Scriptures by faith and prayer. Origen says that Christ will open the Word’s hidden meaning.(2)
In the short time since the third century AD, the practice of lectio divina is becoming more widely known in a world seeking deeper spirituality.
Pope Benedict XVI said in October 2008:
The Bible “must be read in the same Spirit in which it was composed.”(3)Here are ten articles on lectio divina for your link library(4):
1. Lectio Divina (explained) is slow, contemplative Bible reading in which God speaks to our heart and the Word fills our soul.
2. By the Orlando Roman Catholic Examiner
Lectio Divina, with a video describing the four-step and single-step methods.
3. At a Jesuit's web site
Lectio Divina
4. By the Carmelites
Lectio Divina
5. By Pluscarden Abbey, Scotland
Lectio Divina
6. By a Franciscan at his blog
Lectio Divina
7. At Fish Eaters
Lectio Divina
8. At QVDAYS
Lectio Divina in PDF -- The description of the "contemplation" phase of lectio is excellent and gives the essence of the goal of lectio divina.
9. By the Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius (restoring the sacred in the Church)
Lectio Divina
10. At the Vatican's Official web site by an Auxiliary Bishop
Lectio Divina
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Footnotes:
The picture is A Vogue on a Flower by Thomas Hawk
(1) Lectio divina is pronounced:
Lex-ee-oh Dih-vee-nuh.
(2) From a Pope Benedict XVI General Audience address May 2, 2007
(3) From a Pope Benedict XVI Angelus October 26, 2008
(4) This list of links to lectio divina resources is taken from my Oblate Spring web site. When I find a new link on lectio divina, I won't revise this blog entry, I will add any new links to the list lectio divina resources here. Check that page for the additions.
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ReplyDeleteThanks Kim, hope you liked them.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I have really felt drawn to lectio divina a lot lately! Glad you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteHi Colleen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. I too have had the same strong sense about lectio divina. Part of my increased interest has come from my increased reading of Pope Benedict XVI who has made some very clear statements about lectio divina.
As I kept reading the Pope's comments on the need for lectio divina and his descriptions of its importance, he convinced me I really needed to understand this ancient practice better.
Thank you so much putting these sources together! As someone in the process of becoming an oblate this is extremely useful!
ReplyDeleteHi Marissa,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your oblate path. It is a gift from our Lord, isn't it?
I am an oblate, but still feel I have so much to learn. I use this information in my study and attend every oblate novice class at the monastery.
Thanks a lot, John, for a really great reference. I think I'll have to put up a post about it on my own site.
ReplyDeleteThanks Joe. Lectio divina and the topic of listening to God has been on my mind a lot
ReplyDelete