Lectio Divina

Before next Tuesday’s Centering Prayer practice (that’s on February 21), we’ll turn our attention to Cynthia Bourgeault’s Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, Chapter 6, “Centering Prayer and Christian Tradition,” pages 65-68, four pages in which she introduces us to “The Benedictine Legacy.”   You’ll find this section well worth reading, making notes in the margins or to yourselves as you go.  If you’re not already acquainted with the practice of lectio divina (sacred reading), you’ll discover that lectio divina (or simply lectio, as it's often called) may be habit you’ll want to cultivate.  In my postings during the coming week, I’ll try to comment on the four movements, stages, or “stations” within lectio so that when we get together and practice such sacred reading next Tuesday you’ll feel right at home.  For now, simply take note that the four stations are lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation).  And if you wish to give lectio divina a try, open your Bible to next Sunday’s Gospel, Mark 9.2-8, do lectio daily with this text (and/or perhaps others), by following Bourgeault’s suggestions in the reading for next Tuesday.   Take your time and finish up with station four: contemplation, what we now call Centering Prayer.