As I delve into my new passion for contemplative prayer and spend more time in silence, I have worked with groups and individuals in a variety these practices. It’s time I share what I know and perhaps a little about my experiences.
First up is Lectio Divina. That sounds so very Latin (because it is) and out of step with today’s worship world. In truth, what’s old is new. Our world continues to harry us. Our schedules become more and more packed with “things to do, places to go, people to see.” This particular practice helps us to SLOW DOWN.
The practice itself is divided into four parts, each of which have a very impressive sounding Latin name.
- Lectio – the reading part. This is where the sacred text, poem, or whatever has been selected is slowly read for meaning. As you read, preferably out loud, prayerfully consider what word or phrase is capturing your attention. Today, the reading was from Luke 16:19-31, a rather lengthy passage (I believe shorter passages work better). From this passage, two words captured my attention: dogs and chasm. At first blush, you see, it’s hard to even imagine how or why these two words were spotlighted, but that’s OK because we are just “reading” allowing God to highlight whatever.
- Meditatio – the meditative part. Upon reading the selection a second time, this is where we allow our minds to really chew on the word(s) that God brought to our attention the first time through. If I am doing this practice with someone online, let’s say, I will pause the app in order to really think about the words and ask what God is communicating to me, or inviting me to understand, or challenging me with. Today, the first word, dogs, gave me the insight that while Lazarus sat outside the rich man’s gate, full of sores, and quite poor, the most unlikely “person” showed him compassion by licking his wounds – the dogs. And then I thought about how often I have passed by those on the street, not willing to give anything or engage them in any way. And here we are in the time of Lent, I felt my heart moved and I decided this morning, I would change that habit with a planned giving (having a stack of gift cards, for instance, in my car or in my purse to give away). The second word, “chasm” showed me that I have a few gulfs between me and some people, not as wide as the rich man and Abraham, but nonetheless, self-inflicted by my lack of compassion and willingness to forgive. And so, both words, in the end, spoke to me of compassion and reaching across the gulfs between me and others.
- Oratio – the prayer part. This time, we read the passage again, and afterward, it’s time to form some words to God in response to the discoveries made during Meditatio. This time can be confession, intercession, or requests. The point is to acknowledge what God has revealed and confirm our understanding and response. “Dear God, forgive me for allowing gulfs and chasms to grow between me and others, whether friends, acquaintances, or strangers on the street. Give me a heart of compassion to reach out, however simply, with love and forgiveness and acceptance.”
- Contemplatio – the silent part. One can read again the passage or move right into this time of silence. It is in this part of the cycle, that we let go of the words and simply sit, as much as possible, clearing the mind and the heart, to simply rest in God’s Presence. Just silence. It takes practice.
This practice can be used by anyone anywhere. If you have tried to this practice, please leave your own comments about it’s value to you. For me, I do my best to incorporate it daily. Just so you know, some time ago, I slogged through the New Testament, for three years, sharing a verse that jumped out to me, one small chunk at a time. I had no idea then, I was already practicing Lectio Divina without even knowing it. How do you read prayerfully?
or even spell it. One young girl said her name was “Gris.” I couldn’t imagine it. I tried it a few times and she looked at me all silly. Then I had her spell it: GRACE. Oh God! I thought, help me to hear.
I shared this story along with one of my own. Back in the day, when I was in acting school, we had two semesters of Circus classes. These were some of my favorites. Among the skills we learned was juggling and unicycle and of course, tightrope walking, which I loved. This too requires focus–that is focus on the end point. All balance comes from this focus.
Today is the last day of my 21 day full fast (or juice fast I should probably say) and tomorrow I will transition to the Daniel Fast, basically a vegan diet through the end of Lent. It has been an illuminating time. We humans spend a lot of time dealing with the business food: planning, purchasing, preparing and finally eating, but then cleaning up and storing what’s left. My days were less preoccupied. My time in prayer was without hurry. Being faithful to alone time with God was much easier. The discipline was worth it.
But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” [Matthew 9:32-34 NIV]
Come close and listen,
Meditations from Zion 