Appendix: Two Approaches to Group Lectio Divina

Lectio on Life

Applying Lectio Divina to my personal Salvation History

Purpose: to apply a method of prayerful reflection to a life/work incident (instead of to a scripture passage)

Listening for the Gentle Touch of Christ the Word (The Literal Sense)

1. Each person quiets the body and mind: relax, sit comfortably but alert, close eyes, attune to breathing...

2. Each person gently reviews events, situations, sights, encounters that have happened since the beginning of the retreat/or during the last month at work.

Gently Ruminating, Reflecting (Meditatio - Meditation)

1. Each person allows the self to focus on one such offering.
   1. Recollect the setting, sensory details, sequence of events, etc.

   2. Notice where the greatest energy seemed to be evoked. Was there a turning point or shift?

   3. In what ways did God seem to be present? To what extent was I aware then? Now?

Prayerful Consecration, Blessing (Oratio - Prayer)

1. Use a word or phrase from the Scriptures to inwardly consecrate - to offer up to God in prayer - the incident and interior reflections. Allow God to accept and bless them as your gift.

Accepting Christ's Embrace; Silent Presence to the Lord (Contemplatio - Contemplation)

1. Remain in silence for some period.

Sharing our Lectio Experience with Each Other (Operatio - Action; works)

1. Leader calls the group back into "community."
2. All share briefly (or remain in continuing silence).

Return to Main Page