LECTIO DIVINA

helpful reminders about spiritual reading…

Lectio is not the same thing as reading the Bible through in one year. The One Year Bible has its place but lectio is not “reading by the pound.” It is as Terrence Kardong puts it, to “slow down and plow through the Bible on all fours.” It demands that the reader approach the Bible as a pray-er, rather than as a consumer.

Furthermore, lectio is reading the Bible not for information but for formation. Irene Nowell likens the study of scripture without prayer and practice to reading a cookbook without ever cooking or eating. In other words, lectio is meditating on spliritual readings in order to be changed. That is why it usually involves reading with the mouth, mind, and memory – to help transform the whole person.

The results of such meditative study is… to be changed by what is learned rather than to storm the gates of knowledge – to form tastes, desires, passions, attitudes, and dispositions. I the end, it is a practice that determines the way on envisions and responds to the world.

(Monk Habits for Everyday People – byDennis Okholm)

DIVINE READING (AKA LECTIO DIVINA)

Divine Reading -It seems as if this ancient discipline is becoming popular again – or at least to Christian protesters (protestants that is). It is showing up a lot these days in my neck of the woods. Just yesterday I experienced it at a student gathering and then again at a group that met at a home.

Personally I have used it for small group gatherings for some time. I see real value in this spiritual discipline and believe it should be practiced.

Yet, I am a bit concerned that it may be the “cool” thing to do right now – like a faddish way of wearing pants.

I hope we stay away from a “consumption” attitude to this important discipline.