Becky Eldredge Explains Lectio Divina

Summary

The video introduces Lexio Divina, a meditative prayer method rooted in ancient Christian tradition. Originally practiced by monks, it is now widely used by laypeople to deepen their connection with God through the Scriptures. The practice involves reading a passage slowly, reflecting on it, responding to God in prayer, and resting in His presence. This step-by-step approach invites spiritual reflection and personal insight, making it accessible for anyone seeking to enrich their prayer life. The video also encourages viewers to explore the book 'Busy Lives and Restless Souls' for further guidance on this spiritual practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lexio Divina is a method of praying the scriptures.
• 😀 The practice of Lexio Divina helps individuals deepen their connection with God through His spoken word.
• 😀 Lexio Divina traces its roots back to the early centuries in the church and was formalized by Saint Benedict in the 6th century.
• 😀 Originally a practice reserved for monks and religious, Lexio Divina is now practiced widely by both laymen and laywomen.
• 😀 The method involves slow, rhythmic reading and reflecting on a scripture passage.
• 😀 The process includes reading a passage, noticing what arises within you, and reflecting on it.
• 😀 There are four main steps in Lexio Divina: Reading, Reflecting, Responding, and Resting.
• 😀 The first step is to read the scripture slowly, noticing the words or phrases that grab your heart.
• 😀 The second step involves reflecting prayerfully on what God is saying through the passage.
• 😀 The third step is responding to God, offering your feelings and insights back to Him.
• 😀 The final step is resting in God's presence, listening for what God may be saying to you.
• 😀 It's helpful to close your prayer time with a short prayer, like the Our Father, and reflect in a journal.

Q & A

What is Lexio Divina?

Lexio Divina is a method of praying with the scriptures. It involves a slow, rhythmic reading and reflection on a scripture passage, noticing the words that resonate deeply, responding to God about them, and resting in God's presence to hear His response.

What is the origin of the Lexio Divina practice?

The practice of Lexio Divina traces its roots back to the early centuries of the church, with Saint Benedict making it a regular practice in monasteries by the sixth century.

Was Lexio Divina originally reserved for a specific group of people?

Yes, originally, Lexio Divina was practiced primarily by monks and religious communities. However, today, it is widely practiced by laypeople as well.

How does the Lexio Divina method work?

The Lexio Divina method involves reading a scripture passage slowly and thoughtfully, reflecting on the words that catch your attention, responding to God with your feelings and insights, and finally resting in God's presence to listen for His response.

What is the first step in practicing Lexio Divina?

The first step is to read the scripture passage slowly and thoughtfully, paying attention to any word or phrase that captures your attention or stirs your heart.

What should you do if a word or phrase stands out to you during the reading?

If a word or phrase stands out, you should linger with it and reflect on it, as it may be a point of connection with God during your prayer.

What is the second step in Lexio Divina?

The second step is to reflect on the passage again, prayerfully considering what God might be saying to you through it and what feelings arise within you.

What is the third step in practicing Lexio Divina?

The third step is to respond to God, speaking from your heart about your feelings and insights that have arisen from the passage.

How should you end your Lexio Divina practice?

You should end your practice by resting quietly in God's presence, asking Him what He is saying to you, and listening for His response. You may also close with a prayer, such as the 'Our Father.'

Why is it helpful to journal after practicing Lexio Divina?

Journaling after Lexio Divina helps to capture what arose during your prayer time, what you offered to God, and what insights God provided. This can enhance your spiritual growth and understanding.