HOW TO PRACTICE LECTIO DIVINA

THE IGNATIAN METHOD OF READING THE SCRIPTURES

"Lectio Divina” is latin for "Holy Reading”.

Usually, this involves reading a scriptural passage aloud several times, taking time to pause and allow yourself to focus on what you have just heard.

St. Ignatius Layola introduced a different form of this practice in his Spiritual Exercises.

The Method of St. Ignatius is similar to a mental flannel board. It's a way of using your senses to better understand a biblical passage.

1. Select a passage from the Gospels.

2. Read the Gospel passage twice so that the details of the story become familiar.

3. Close your eyes and reconstruct the scene with your immagination. Where are you? What do you hear? How do you feel? Where is Jesus?

4. Choose a character and experience the story through their perspective. How does this shift your interpretation of what is going on in the text?

5. Finish your time in prayer. Share with God what you saw and anything that was brought to your heart.

Journaling what comes to mind is a great way to keep track of what the Spirit reveals to you.