Spiritual reading offered during Lent
Lectio Divina, also known as sacred reading, is a slow perusal of sacred scripture as an aid to connect with God. This practice is founded on the belief that sacred reading can create a union with God that can be sustained by further reading.
There is no special program or technique to lectio. One must resist a particularly modern temptation to cover a given amount of material in a prescribed time frame. In lectio, readers are asked to linger over a particular word or phrase for an indefinite period of time. The ability to linger over this form of prayer grows with experience.
The stages as described by Guigo, a Carthusian monk in the 12th century are:
Lectio—Reading the Word of God slowly and reflectively, allowing it to sink in.
Meditatio—Reflection and rumination upon the text, taking from it what God wants to give.
Oratio—Response. Leave thinking behind and simply let our hearts speak to God.
Contemplation—Rest. Letting go, not only of our own ideas, plans and meditations, but also of our holy words and thoughts. Simply rest in the Word of God. This is listening at the deepest level to God, who speaks within us with a small voice.
Staff at two East Region Catholic hospitals will have the opportunity to experience Lectio Divina during Lent.
In Superior, Chaplaincy services will hold a non-denominational sacred reading and prayer Fridays from 11:30 - 11:40 am and 12:00 to 12:10 pm.
In Duluth, Interim East Region Mission Ministry Leader Nancy Flaig will hold sacred readings in the hospital Wednesdays throughout Lent. Click the link below for a full list of dates and times.
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