Fr. Ed Broom: Start Praying Lectio Divina

Pope Benedict XVI encouraged us to go deeper in our prayer life by using a classical method—Lectio Divina.  The Pontiff strongly exhorted followers of Christ to utilize the Word of God as fertile ground for delving into the depths of prayer.

Our intention in this short article is to offer the steps the Holy Father suggests and a touch more to motivate us to never tire in growing in our union with God through a deeper prayer life. Prayer has no limits given that prayer is union with an eternal and infinite God!  

Here are the steps…..

A.) Lectio

Take in your hands the spiritual text you have chosen to meditate upon and then read it. However, before beginning to read, invite the Holy Spirit, known as the Interior Master, to help you in prayer. Then the prayer of the young Samuel can be yours: “Speak, O Lord, for your servant is listening.”

What a privilege you have—that God now wants to speak to your heart!

B.) Meditatio

Now we want to apply the use of our memory and understanding to understand what God is trying to say to us though this text. Rejoice in the fact that God right now has a special message He wants to communicate to you through this reading and meditation!

Be open to God; think and pray. Be bold enough to ask the Lord: “Lord God, exactly what is the message you want to communicate to my heart and life right now?”  The Holy Spirit hears you and will respond! ….