Praying with Lectio Divina in 2024

Wednesday evenings in the Choir Vestry

Starting on Wednesday, 16th October, there will be another block of six weekly meetings to continue, or explore for the first time, the way of praying known as Lectio Divina (Holy Listening).

About Lectio Divina

This practice comes from the early monasteries, when few monks could read. They learned the Scriptures by listening, at different times of the day and sometimes with the same passage being read by the monk who could do this. A frequent private prayer is what we call intercession – praying for others and also praying for something specific for ourselves.

Lectio Divina, however, is the practice of listening, firstly to Scripture; then, through reflecting on particular words which speak to you, we learn we are, in fact, listening directly to God.

There will be six consecutive Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm in the HT Choir Vestry, beginning on 16th October. 

This will last about an hour, and all are welcome to stay for tea, coffee and biscuits. Please use the sign-up sheet at the back of the church or email helenshofarsounder@gmail.com. (Maximum number is nine.) 

Listening quietly

To pray is to draw closer to the heart of God. In our Sunday service, we offer prayers each week for the church, the world, for the needs of others and ourselves. But prayer is as much about listening quietly to hear what God might be saying to each one of us.

Lectio Divina, which means “holy reading”, is an ancient spiritual practice from the Christian monastic tradition that allows us to experience the presence of God through reading a passage from Scripture and listening, periods of silence, prayer and contemplation.

  • It is not a Bible study nor a discussion group, although people can certainly share their experience if they would like.
  • However, it is a way of praying that energises us and leaves us feeling more peaceful within ourselves and, therefore, more ready to engage with the reality of the life we live on a day-to-day basis.
  • And it helps us to take time to discover the rich truths of the Word of God.