Faith Formation

Faith Formation

Praying with Scripture (Lectio Divina)

Thursdays at 7:30 pm in the Kinane Center

 

Praying with Scripture meets every Thursday at 7:30 pm with the exception of Holy Thursday and Thanksgiving Thursday.

 

The Praying with Scripture group reflects on Sacred Scripture through meditation using the Lectio Divina form of prayer that taps into the “spiritual sense” of scripture. Its name, Lectio Divina, means holy/divine reading. Lectio Divina entails a slow, contemplative praying of the scriptures. The purpose is to see how the scripture is addressed to me, as an individual, at this moment of my life: How is God touching my life today through these passages? This enables the Bible to become a means of closer union with God.

   

Pope Benedict XVI Recommended Lectio Divina: 

"I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart (cf. Dei Verbum, n. 25). If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church - I am convinced of it - a new spiritual springtime."  - Pope Benedict XVI 

 

History of Lectio Divina: 

The principles of Lectio Divina were expressed around the year 220 AD by Origen. He affirmed that to read the Bible profitably, it is necessary to do so with attention, constancy, and prayer. Origen also emphasized the value of reading scripture with attention to possible different levels of meaning. 

The monastic rules of Sts. PachomiusAugustineBasil, and Benedict made the practice of divine reading, together with manual labor and participation in liturgical life, the triple base of monastic life. 

The systematization of spiritual reading into four steps dates back to the 12th century. Around 1150, Guigo II, a Carthusian monk, wrote a book titled “The Monk’s Ladder” (Scala Claustralium) wherein he set out the theory of the four rungs: reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation. 

 

Lectio Divina’s Four Parts: 

“Lectio:” – reading   

“Meditatio” – meditating (savoring the word) 

“Oratio” – praying (speaking with God) 

“Contempatio” – contemplation (listening to God) 

 

If you would like to join, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

 

No experience necessary! Please consider joining us. All are welcome!

 

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Contact Information

St. Paul of the Cross

320 South Washington Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068


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Phone: (847) 825-7605

Mass Schedule

UC = Upper Church
HFC = Holy Family Chapel 

Monday - Friday

6:25 am UC

8:30 am UC

Saturday

8:30 am UC - weekday Mass

4:30 pm UC - vigil

Sunday

7:30 am UC

9:00 am UC

10:30 am UC and HFC

12:00 pm UC