“Divine Reading of the Scriptures” Lectio Divina

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This method of prayer goes back to the early monastic tradition. There were not bibles for everyone and not everyone knew how to read. So the monks gathered in chapel to hear a member of the community reading from the scripture. In this exercise they were taught and encouraged to listen with their hearts because it was the Word of God that they were hearing. The Ignatian term is to “listen with the ear of your heart.” Douglas J. Leonhardt, SJ 
 
Each week the Catholic Schools Office emails Lectio Reflections prepared by Sr Hildegad.  Here is an example. To subscribe, email Sallyanne Butel.

Lectio Divina in Community
An adapted process, Lectio Divina in Community is a wonderful tool for reflecting upon the Scriptures with children. For children, it is suggested that passages which have setting, characters and plot will work best.
 
The process:
1.     The teacher or a strong reader reads the Scripture passage reflectively and expressively. Students are asked to listen for a word or a phrase that strikes them. After the reading they are invited to share this word or few words with the class. The word/s can be the same or different to the words of someone else. If students are not comfortable, they can say “pass.” The first reading is about entering the text and so students are asked not to comment on why those words appealed to them.
 
2.     The passage is read for the second time, again reflectively and expressively.  After this reading, students are asked to say a word or phrase that strikes them (it can be the same word as the first time or a different one) and why. This time, children are taken to a deeper level of reflection.

3.     After the reading, children may be invited to discuss how their understanding of this passage may influence their life today. They may be invited to express their interaction with the Scripture in some way e.g. artistically. The session usually is concluded by saying a prayer such as the Lord's Prayer or Glory Be.

 Some resources

• Each week The Centre for Christian Spirituality offers a videoed reflection by Bishop David, Virginia Ryan and Fr John Frauenfelder. Click here to subscribe
  
• Click here for video of Bishop David Walker talking on the Guigo II method of Lectio Divina.
  
• Four-part video series presented by Father Mark Toups
                 Part 1  |  Part 2  |  Part 3  |  Part 4
  

Click here for some further insights into personal and communal Lectio Divina