Lesson 1
Lesson 1: Defining Lectio Divina
In this lesson, we will begin by defining what Lectio Divina is, and how the acts of "Divine" or "Sacred" reading as prayer differs from reading as an intellectual pursuit. When reading is for prayer, what does that look like?
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Lesson 2
Lesson 2: What Should I Read?
Choosing a book for the purposes of Lectio Divina is very different from choosing a book for other purposes. In this lesson we will discuss how you might go about making choices for what to read as you engage in this prayerful act.
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Lesson 3
Lesson 3: Space And Place
The beauty of Lectio Divina is that it is incredibly portable. But there are some benefits that come from making a particular space, place, and time for engaging in Lectio. In this lesson, we will discuss the pros and cons of "anywhere" versus "always here"; and look at how you set your space up for the best benefit from your practice.
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Lesson 4
Lesson 4: Movement 1 - Lectio
Now that you have chosen your text and your space/place, it is now time to begin. To "begin by reading" sounds elementary, but Lectio is a special kind of reading...
Lesson 5
Lesson 5: Movement 2 - Meditatio
The Spirit has drawn out a word, or phrase, or idea from the text for you. Now what? In this lesson, we begin the process of allowing what will become the focus of our time in Lectio Divina to begin to take root through the movement of Meditatio.
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Lesson 6
Lesson 6: Movement 3 - Oratio
Oratio is the movement in which the prayer begins to deepen as a dialogue takes place: a dialogue with your mind and a dialogue with God. In this lesson, we consider what this conversation looks like and how it plays out.
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Lesson 7
Lesson 7: Movement 4 - Contemplatio
Contemplatio is the posture we take as a way of allowing the previous three movements to take root in our hearts. In this lesson, we consider the shape of those postures and how they might help us to allow our prayer to begin to change us.
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Lesson 8
Lesson 8: Movement 5 - Operatio
Although intended by those who originally practiced Lectio Divina, Operatio has become a more formalised part of Lectio in more recent years. In this lesson we consider why intentional "Operatio" will ensure that we make the most of our time in Lectio Divina.
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Lesson 9
Lesson 9: "The Flow"
Following the traditional "stages" of Lectio can take away that flow that happens when we become more apt at this prayerful reading practice. In this piece of prose, listen to the way in which the movements of Lectio Divina flow into and across each other and become more like the waves of the sea than the steps up a ladder.
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Lesson 10
Lesson 10: Here To From Here? - Thirst, Faith, Transformation
My love of Lectio and my daily urge to practice this discipline comes down to an internal thirst in which my heartfelt desire is for God. As we conclude our time learning about the sacred art of Lectio Divina, I share three thoughts from the mind of Australian Cistercian monk, Fr. Michael Casey, which give language to this yearning. I hope they will also inspire you as you pursue the practice of Lectio Divina.
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Lesson 11
Bonus: Guided Lectio Divina Contemplation Audio
As a way to help you become more confident in your practice, this Lectio Divina contemplation audio has guiding commentary from Mark that will help you move through each of the stages as you reflect on a sacred text that will challenge you to consider your spiritual practices in general.
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