Hi guys,
After last Friday my Dad (Paul) said he forgot to tell us the type of prayer we entered into last Friday called Lectio Divina summarized below:
Latin: lectio = word, divina = divine
A way of meditating or chewing on the word
LISTEN – read 1st time aloud and listen for the word or phrase to which you are drawn or which you particularly notice. It might be a phrase that disturbs you. Pay attention to your feelings and your thoughts.
MEDITATE–read a 2nd time aloud and look for a connection between a phrase or word and some situation in your heart, life, family, relationships, work, etc.
PRAY–read a 3rd time aloud and this time do you sense Jesus inviting you to take a step of following him. If so respond to him in prayer.
REST–now just rest quietly in the presence of God and his love for you without a word.
The practice itself has a long history that many trace all the way back to Judaism. This approach to bible reading has been preserved for more than 1500 years in the Benedictine order which was founded in Italy by St. Benedict (480-547 AD). For a more complete description of the four steps of lectio divina, you can visit the home page of St. Andrews Abbey in Valyermo, CA at http://www.valyermo.com/and click on Lectio Divina.
Also, if you want to learn more about my Dad’s ministry see www.theleadershipinstitute.org. My parents really enjoyed meeting all of you and said numerous times of what a great time they had.
Kirk
