By Bill Gaultiere © 2010
Here is a sample Lectio Divina sheet used during Advent that illustrates one of the ways that we lead groups in this discipline. Usually we distribute a sheet like this to each person to help them follow along. (To assist people in journaling we leave space to write about a paragraph after questions three and four.)
In this example I use four readings and questions designed to help people interact with the Bible passage in a variety of ways. The flow guides the reader into a deeper and deeper connection with God through the Word by following the four ancient rhythms of Lectio Divina (The four “R’s.”):
1. Reading/thinking about Scripture
2. Reflecting on a personal word from the text
3. Responding in prayer on how the passage speaks into their life today
4. Resting in (or listening to) a personal message from God
Luke 1 (NIV)
26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.
36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”
38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
Four Readings and Questions to Respond to in Writing (Based on the Four Rhythms in Lectio Divina):
1. Lectio: Read the Scripture passage slowly and give it a title.
2. Meditatio: Reflect on one word or phrase the Holy Spirit directs your attention to.
3. Oratio: Respond in prayer with emotion about a personal struggle or longing.
4. Contemplatio: Rest in a personal invitation or affirmation spoken to you by the Lord. (Write down what you sense God might be saying to you or just rest in his loving arms.)
Learn more about Lectio Divina.
See a list of some especially good Scripture passages to use for Lectio Divina.
As part of the ministry of Soul Shepherding Kristi and I lead Lectio Divina for ministry leaders and other Christ-followers in groups, seminars, and retreats. We find this process helps community members to listen to God through Scripture and then to share with one another what God is saying and doing in the midst of their life challenges.
Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D. & Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. ~ http://www.soulshepherding.org
