Lectio Divina for November is now available to download from our website: https://www.carmelites.org.au/lectiodivina In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk called Guigo, described the stages which he saw as essential to the practice of Lectio Divina. There are various ways of practising Lectio Divina either individually or in groups but Guigo's description remains fundamental. He said that the first stage is lectio (reading) where we read the Word of God, slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us. Any passage of Scripture can be used for this way of prayer but the passage should not be too long. The second stage is meditatio (reflection) where we think about the text we have chosen and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what God wants to give us. The third stage is oratio (response) where we leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by our reflection on the Word of God. The final stage of Lectio Divina is contemplatio (rest) where we let go not only of our own ideas, plans and meditations but also of our holy words and thoughts. We simply rest in the Word of God. We listen at the deepest level of our being to God who speaks within us with a still small voice. As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within. Obviously this transformation will have a profound effect on the way we actually live and the way we live is the test of the authenticity of our prayer. We must take what we read in the Word of God into our daily lives. #lectiodivina #prayer #faith #spirituality #scripture #bible #meditation #reflection #carmelite #carmelites #laycarmelites #catholic #christianity #love #hope #peace #rest #wordofgod #jesus #christ #vocation #melbourne #australia #timorleste #transformation #inspirationalquotes https://www.instagram.com/p/B4UX6wsFuTf/?igshid=184m5eri90lcp
