Synod School of Discipleship Week 5
Synod Week 5 - Pray Always
If Jesus said to you today, “Come follow me”, would tomorrow look any different than today? Obviously, the answer is yes! But here’s the difficulty: it can be really hard to hear His voice. And how many of us long and need to hear God speaking to us every day? I would imagine all of us. God is not limited in the ways that He can speak to us; however, there is one sure way that He always does - Scripture and the Liturgy. The key is learning to listen.
Of the oldest and most powerful forms of reading Scripture is called Lectio Divina (“Divine Reading”). It originates from the first monks in the 3rd century and has been used by spiritual masters since. It is based on one simple premise - God is speaking to YOU. God speaks to have a relationship with you. Lectio is about learning to listen.
The steps are simple - read a scripture passage 3 times in the following ways:
- Read the daily Gospel (or some other scripture passage) slowly, reverently, and without assumption. If possible, read it out loud. Simply hear the story. Then pause and sit with it.
- Read the same passage reverently a second time. This time, notice - is there a word or phrase that is jumping out to you? Be attentive and let it jump out to you. Let God reveal whatever phrase He desires to. Avoid figuring out why this passage jumps out. Pause and sit with it.
- Read the same passage reverently a third time. This time, mediate and “chew” on why God might be drawing your attention here. Let your imagination and mind be guided by God. Why is this word/phrase catching your attention? What is God trying to say?
- End with contemplation - silence where you let God love you. Finish by thanking God for this time.
Challenge: Begin each morning with Lectio Divina using the daily readings. Listen to what the Lord is saying specifically to you each day. Write down what He has revealed.