James Martin, S.J. on 'Lectio Divina'

Summary

In this video, Father Jim Martin explains 'Lectio Divina,' a method of praying with scripture. He simplifies this practice into four key questions: What does the text say? What does the text say to me? What do I want to say to God about the text? What difference will this text make in my life? Using the example of Jesus calming the storm, Father Martin illustrates how scripture can resonate with personal life experiences and inspire reflection. He emphasizes that 'Lectio Divina' is accessible to all and a powerful way to encounter God in scripture.

Takeaways

• 📖 Lectio Divina is a method of sacred reading to help encounter The Living Word, the Bible.
• 🏛️ Initially, the term may evoke images of monks in monasteries, but it's actually very accessible to everyone.
• ❓ The process involves asking four simple questions while reading a Bible passage.
• 📝 The first question is: What does the text say? This is about understanding the basic meaning of the passage.
• 💡 The second question is: What does the text say to me? This invites personal reflection on how the passage relates to your life.
• 🙏 The third question is: What do I want to say to God about the text? This encourages expressing personal feelings to God in prayer.
• 🌱 The fourth question is: What difference will this text make in my life? The aim is to bring about change, such as greater hope or faith.
• 🌊 Using the story of the storm at sea, readers might reflect on times they felt God was distant, like the disciples felt when Jesus was asleep.
• 💬 Lectio Divina allows for personal encounters with God, with different ways to engage, such as focusing on a single word or phrase.
• 🌟 Ultimately, Lectio Divina is a transformative prayer practice designed to deepen one’s relationship with God through scripture.

Q & A

What is Lectio Divina?

Lectio Divina, meaning 'sacred reading,' is a way of praying with scripture that involves encountering the Bible in a reflective and personal way.

What are the four basic questions of Lectio Divina?

The four questions are: 1) What does the text say? 2) What does the text say to me? 3) What do I want to say to God about the text? 4) What difference will this text make in my life?

How can someone approach the first question, 'What does the text say?'

The first question focuses on understanding the passage's basic meaning. It might involve consulting a Bible commentary or footnotes to understand the context, especially in terms of Jewish customs or historical background.

How does the question 'What does the text say to me?' personalize the reading?

This question encourages readers to reflect on how the scripture relates to their personal life. For example, in the story of the storm at sea, one might identify with the feeling of God being distant during struggles.

What is the purpose of asking 'What do I want to say to God about the text?'

This question invites a dialogue with God, allowing the reader to express feelings, concerns, or thoughts raised by the scripture. It helps in articulating emotions such as frustration or seeking comfort in prayer.

How does Lectio Divina inspire action or change?

The final question, 'What difference will this text make in my life?' encourages the reader to apply the passage's lessons or insights in daily life, aiming for personal transformation or renewed hope.

Can Lectio Divina be simplified?

Yes, sometimes people focus on a single word or phrase, such as 'Be Still,' and allow that to resonate deeply, using it as a point of reflection without going through all four questions.

Why is Lectio Divina considered accessible to everyone?

Despite initial perceptions of it being a monastic practice, Lectio Divina is a simple, reflective way of engaging with scripture that anyone can practice, regardless of their level of biblical knowledge.

What example does Father Jim Martin use to explain Lectio Divina?

He uses the story of the storm at sea, where Jesus calms the storm while the disciples feel frightened. This passage can be used to reflect on feelings of fear, abandonment, and the presence of God.

What is the ultimate goal of practicing Lectio Divina?

The goal is to encounter God through scripture in a personal and transformative way, fostering a deeper spiritual connection and encouraging change or hope in one’s life.