Accepting the Embrace of God: The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina
by: Fr. Luke Dysinger, O.S.B.
http://www.valyermo.com/ld-art.html
The most authentic and traditional form of Christian lectio divina is the solitary or “private” practice. In recent years, however, many different forms of so-called “group lection” have become popular and are now widely-practiced. These group exercises can be very useful means of introducing and encouraging the practice of lectio divina; but they should not become a substitute for an encounter and communion the the Living God that can only take place in that privileged solitude where the biblical Word of God becomes transparent to the Very Word Himself - namely private lectio divina.
In churches of the Third World where books are rare, a form of corporate lectio divina is becoming common in which a text from the Scriptures is pondered by Christians praying together in a group. A group leader coordinates the process and facilitates sharing. The same text from the Scriptures is read out three times, followed each time by a period of silence and an opportunity for each member of the group to share the fruit of her or his lectio.
The first reading (the text is actually read twice on this occasion) is for the purpose of hearing a word or passage that touches the heart. When the word or phrase is found, it is silently taken in, and gently recited and pondered during the silence which follows. After the silence each person shares which word or phrase has touched his or her heart.
The second reading (by a member other than the first reader) is for the purpose of “hearing” or “seeing” Christ in the text. Each ponders the word that has touched the heart and asks where the word or phrase touches his or her life that day. In other words, how is Christ the Word touching his own experience, his own life? How are the carious members of the group seeing or hearing Christ reach out to them through the text? Then, after the silence, each member of the group shares what her or she has “heard” or “seen”.
The third and final reading is for the purpose of experiencing Christ “calling us forth” into doing or being. Members ask themselves what Christ in the text is calling them to do or to become today or this week. After silence, each shares for the last time; and the exercise concludes with each person praying for the person on the right.