On the Thursdays during Lent, we will be meeting in the parish office building after the 8 A.M. Mass and again at 7 P.M. to pray with the scriptures.  Lectio Divina is a form of praying with sacred scripture that moves the Word of God from our mind to our heart.  We will be using the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday.

If you are not able to join us, you can pray with the Scriptures at home.  This prayer is done in four easy steps.  Each step begins with the reading of a particular scripture passage.

Step 1 – LECTIO  — Read the scripture passage that you have chosen with a different mind set.  Remember that we are reading the WORD of God.  What is God saying to you today?  What word or words in the passage touch your heart.

Step 2 – MEDITATIO  — Read the passage again and reflect on the Word.  Where do you see yourself in this reading?  Are you an observer?  Are you one of the characters in the passage?  Are you able to place yourself in this picture?

Step 3 – ORATIO — Read the passage again and see how the Spirit is drawing you through the passage.  How might God be touching your deepest desire?  How might God be inviting you to attune your mind and heart to goodness, love and compassion?  Pray your desire in the form of a petition.

Step 4 –  CONTEMPLATIO  — This final step is that of Contemplation – being with.  This movement takes us to a sense of peace in God’s presence.  Enter into the silence and rest in the heart of God.  How is He touching your life?

“This is nothing else than a secret and peaceful and loving inflow of God, which, if not hampered, fires the soul in the spirit of love.”  This is God’s action in us.

This pray may be done with any scripture passage,piece of poetry or spiritual reading.God touches us in ways we cannot imagine. Let us be transformed by the Word of God during this time of Lent.