Conversing With God In Scripture: A Contemporary Approach To Lectio Divina

Stephen J. Binz, Conversing with God in Scripture, A contemporary Approach to Lectio Divina (Ijamsville, Maryland, The Word Among Us Press, 2008) Lectio Divina, Latin for `divine reading', is a `forgotten method' for reading the Bible. Lectio divina is more elaborate than many methods, and more appropriate for doing in small groups. This short volume presents a Catholic perspective on the method, and includes a wide variety of sources from modern web sites to early church writings. In spite of the outline and samples presented in this book, there is no one right way to do lectio divina. The practice of `sacred reading', without any well-planned outline, goes back as far as Origen (3rd century), St. Jerome (5th century), and St. Benedict (6th century, Article 48 in his `Rule') I was taught two different methods by two different instructors at the Moravian Theological Seminary. Both methods shared the two characteristics stated above, short passages and groups. The third important (but not essential) criteria is a fertile passage, capable of evoking strong associations. One example is 1 Corinthians 13:12 - 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. Some passages are richer than others, but if you perform the practice on a regular basis, you may be surprised at how pregnant an innocent sounding passage may become, such as Hosea 1:8-9:8 When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah (no compassion), she conceived and bore a son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Name him Lo-ammi (not my people), for you are not my people and I am not your God.The virtue of such passages is that they are NOT familiar to us, and are therefore more stimulating of original thoughts. This passage reveals that many passages require the preliminary step of fully understanding all the words in the passage, especially the names. Most names in the OT have a meaning which is relevant to the understanding of the context. While the characteristics of lectio divina are flexible, there are some requirements, because there are many types of scriptural reading which are not lectio divina. The first attribute is that one establishes a dialogue between the reader and God. Two things help to make this a dialogue. The first is that unlike an original prayer, you are reading God's word. The group setting is not essential, but it definitely enhances the sense that you are participating in a dialogue. The second attribute is that this dialogue is intimate and heartfelt. It is not like a talk show dialogue or even like a Platonic dialogue. The state of mind is almost hypnotic, where things are revealed, maybe even in spite of yourself. The third attribute is that this is the kind of thinking which leaves a mark after the experience. You are more disposed to certain actions after you complete the exercise. If prayer is like walking, anyone can do it at virtually any time, lectio divina is like jogging, which requires preparation, and is most rewarding when done with one or more companions. At its most elaborate, lectio divina is done following these four steps.1. Lectio. This is the preparation, where you read the passage carefully, being on the alert for any words which may have special meanings. Here is where your `Study Bible' is essential. You may ignore all the notes with other styles of reading. You ignore nothing here. Check for both variant translations and explanations of names and places in the notes. One famous translation issue is between the KJV versus modern translations of the Greek agape in the NT. KJV translates it as `charity', but modern translations more accurately translate it as `love'. One of the best ways of catching these alternate meanings is to do this preparatory reading in two different translations. For English speaking Lutherans, the best two alternatives are the KJV and the NRSV. The latter translation is standard in the Lutheran (ELCA) church, and is recommended for the later steps. Once all the words in the passage are fully understood, the passage is simply read over several times. When lectio is combined with memorization, this is the point where the verse is securely in your `short term' memory. There are literally dozens of different methods for interpreting a text. You can spell out what the words meant to the writer (St. Paul, for example), what they meant to the audience `in the text' (residents of Corinth, Greece). What they meant to other people of that age (early North African Christians reading 1 Corinthians), what it meant to Thomas Aquinas, what it meant to Martin Luther, and what it meant to a contemporary French post-modern intellectual. But none of these are necessary, or even useful to Lectio Divina. The only thing you need to have at this point is that you have a basic understand of all the words (and have a respectable handle on how they are pronounced in English).2. Meditatio. When it comes to meaning, this is the important step. Here we ask `What does the text mean to me?' There is a passage in John 21:1 - 19 in which there is much talk of water, eating, and bread. It occurred to me that a subliminal message here dealt with the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist. Well, for the purposes of lectio divina, it wasn't important whether that's what John had in mind. What was important was that this is what the passage said to me.3. Oratio. This is where prayer plays a role in the lectio divina exercise. It is also the part which engages your companions sharing the same path. Since many of our inchoate thoughts may be rising from deep within our memories, they need time to be formed into words. This is why oratorio may be done in two or more steps. Some manuals (see below) on lectio divina may suggest that you form liturgically elaborate prayers from your thoughts. This is great if you are writing liturgy or poetry. It is not essential to this spiritual archaeology. All we need to present to God and our comrades is the basic ideas. I will go out on a limb here and also suggest that one must put your intellectual watchdog on a leash. The effort is wasted if any inhibitions are in play. If you fear your unbridled thoughts, do this in private. Expressing your thoughts should feel like a release, like taking off an especially noisome seat belt.4. Contemplatio. This is where you put all the pieces together. This step melds your understanding of the text with your vocalized reactions, and your various other inclinations, into a thought which suggests action of some kind. The action can be as simple as an unburdening or confession of some guilt. It can be a reminder of a forgotten ambition or goal. The effect of all these thoughts should be to move one closer to God. This is the only requirement. Thus, the simplest thought is nothing more that `I wish to be closer to God.' If this works for you, there is no need to feel as if you must achieve more. This is not a contest. It is not even a practice for a contest. It is just a `practice'.From this book, you can build an outline of how lectio divina may be practiced, with at least three people. It is best if the passage is read from a complete Bible, sitting firmly and securely on a table or lectern. If there are more than three in the group, ask for two volunteers to assist with the second and third reading parts.The book is an excellent basis for a short (2 session) adult Bible Study. One can make it longer by tracking down some of the references, especially to those on Jerome and Augustine. I'm surprised it does not make any reference to the most famous spiritual writers such as St. Teresa or St. John of the Cross.

Any Catholic not sure how important prayer is when reading the Bible, would love this book. It explains so much about Lectio Divina that I’d never imagined and makes my reading much more meaningful

For someone who might be just starting on their journey to God (Christ) or wanting to have that "real" personal relationship with the Living God, this is a good way to take that step. Can you imagine that the God who created you, wants to be very much a part of your life and is willing to show you how to do that? He won't force himself upon you, but will certainly be there just as soon as you possible and this book will definitely get you on that track. And then, don't forget to pray for all looking to Lectio Divina as a guide.

I didn't think I would like this book that was recommended to me. I have read many books on lectio and didn't think I really needed to read another one. But this one is wonderful. It explains the prayer fully and in simple, concrete terms. It reminds us that lectio is a very natural, normal method of praying that really is not new. It offers Americans exactly what so many find attractive about Eastern spirituality.

We just started using this in our weekly Bible study and have only read chapters 1 and 2. However, we have used several other commentaries by Stephen Binz in the past and love his easy-to-understand writing style and insight. This book is no exception. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a more-personal approach to Scripture - either in individual or group study. Thank you, Stephen Binz!

The book is well written and contains quite a bit of information concerning lectio divina bringing it from the its historical beginnings into the modern era.The period of time from the middle or dark ages until the mid 20th Century is covered briefly. The main thrust of the book seems to be using lectio divina in today's reading of the Bible using contemplative prayer and contemplation to fully understand and receive the spiritual as well as the literal meanings while reading scripture. It is a good read and worth the effort.

Great reading!

This is a great resource for those interested in Lectio Divina style of prayer. It breaks each step down with practical advice.

Stephen, has managed to combine academic fidelity to lightness of touch. while informative Stephen makes this book a pleasure to read and ponder helpful insights. I would recommend its use to groups, congregations, or individuals searching for a way of praying the scriptures differently and with reverence. Though this is an ancient approach, Stephen's ability to keep one interested will certainly win over many a person to this ancient of ways in praying the sacred scriptures. Useful, insightful, spiritual and prayerful. Thank you.

an excellent book designed to help the novice begin to read scripture through lectio divina. A good way of praying with scripture.