Friday, March 22: Lectio Divina

Begin your prayer time by lighting a candle or by ringing the opening bell in the right hand column at the website here. Allow the ringing of the bell to draw you into sacred space with God. Take a few deep breaths, breathing in God's love and presence, breathing out any distractions, plans or worries.

Lord, Jesus Christ, teach me to pray.

Prepare yourself for the reading of the Psalm by quieting yourself and becoming aware of God's presence. Ask God to speak to you through the scripture. Read the scripture through two time, slowly and prayerfully.

A Reading from the Prophet Jeremiah [29:11-14]

“For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord.  “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.  I will be found by you”, says the Lord.  “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes.  I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land.”  

In this Lenten season, as we have prayed these prayers together, we have all been seeking  God.  A new experience of God, a deeper relationship with God, a more committed communication with and through God.  Know that God has heard you and the desires of your heart.  

This scripture is full of so many beautiful words and images.  It is an excellent passage to practice Lectio Divina once again.  

Prepare yourself by opening your heart to God.  Let God know that you are here to listen for God’s word for you.

Stage 1:  Lectio (Read)

Read the passage slowly.  You are not reading in order to understand or explain the scripture.  This isn’t about theology or bible study.  You are simply reading to be open to a word from God.

Now, read the passage again.  This time, see if there is a word that rises up above all of the other words.  A friend of mine, Christine, who has written two books on Lectio Divina, speaks of how a word often “shimmers”.  It stands out some how from all of the other words, but doesn’t necessarily jump out at you.  If a word doesn’t come immediately, be patient and let God know that you are waiting for a word.

Stage 2:  Meditatio (Reflect)

This is the stage in which you contemplate the word or phrase.  How does this word affect you?  What does it mean to you?  Does it trigger any emotions or memories in you?  What sights, sounds, smells or tastes might you associate with the word?  What does this word have to do with your life right now?  With your spiritual life?  What do you think God is saying to you through this word?

Stage 3:  Oratio (Pray)

At this point, you speak with God about the thoughts and awarenesses that have been coming to you through this scripture.  Be open and honest with God.  Does God want to transform something in your life through this word? Heal something?  Encourage you?  Comfort you?  Challenge you?

Stage 4:  Contemplatio (Rest)

In this case, contemplation means simply to rest in God’s presence.  There is nothing left to do but to let God have you.  Let go of your thoughts, words or plans.  Simply rest.


I encourage you to record your word or phrase as well as your response to God in your prayer journal.