Lectio is a method of prayer based upon an indepth reading and meditation of sacred scripture. The master who sends you 1 welcomehymn 2 presentation of the theme the joy of resurrection is the good news of gods abiding presence among us. A bible, a quiet room, and perhaps a pen and paper. Lectio divina is the churchs most ancient way of studying scripture. We therefore practice it every day, so that we may develop a deep and genuine love for it, and so that we may grow in the surpassing knowledge of christ. Thank the lord for the way he has spoken to you through his word.
Decorate each number for what was created by god in. They work perfectly with either small groups or individual bible study. Try to slow your thoughts and focus on the presence of god. Set an example of christianity every day at work or. What if teenagers could be seen as potential productive members of society and leaders among our communities and churches. This transitions into the proclaim, which is a basic teaching on what lectio divina is and how it works. One form of prayer which has shaped me in a huge way since my entrance into religious life is lectio divina. I am posting some articles on how lectio divina was practice during the ancient time and how it can be adapted today for personal. This pdf booklet features instructions, an index of scriptures with spiritual formation themes, and over seventy onepage meditations that can be printed out and. This is primarily use individually and or as group meeting together for prayer and scripture reading. The lectio site is available in english, french, and spanish.
Partnering with local churches to both send and host these youth group mission trips, teenagers go to destinations across the usa and canada. You can download a pdf version of this training resource here. The emerging scholarly discipline of positive youth development pyd pro. Historically in society and academia, youth have been linked with rebellion and seen as either broken or heading in that direction lerner, 2005. If youre looking for a way to get deeper into scripture this advent, i recommend giving lectio divina a try. Lectio divina united states conference of catholic bishops. Pdf religion, spirituality, positive youth development. Lectio divina sunday, may 24th, 2020 american bible.
Our youth may never directly say to us, please love me, but, in fact, they have a tremendous need to be on the receiving end of agape love the kind of love that wants what is best for them. Each chapter ends with a set of group study questions designed for students to think. In this video we will discover how to pray lectio divina using these four lectio divina steps. This ancient art is rooted in the jewish tradition of jesus, and it has been nourished through the desert spirituality of the early christian centuries, the patristic writers of the ancient church, and the monastic tradition through the ages. Our thoughts are prayers, listen to what youre saying. Below is a handout that you can use to facilitate a lectio divina experience in your youth group.
Have you ever tried to read the bible but didnt really know how or where to start. The primary aim of lectio divina is the establishment of an intimate dialogue with god through the sacred page. Approximately 30% of the dutch population falls into this. Although there is an element of study in lectio divina, it is not the. Lectio divina is an ancient prayer method that is most literally known as divine reading. This is worship in spirit and truth, sought and desired by the lord.
Drawing from the ancient tradition of benedictine monks and sisters, i would like to offer lectio divina as a way for catholics to approach scripture. Scripture is read in public to feed even children, and in secret to suspend even sublime minds in admiration. The process of sacred reading lectio divina of the bible is an incredibly important and often overlooked skill to impart in our young people. Youth unlimited provides weeklong serve summer mission trips for teens in high school and middle school. Lectio divina is an ancient tool to accomplish this task of resting in god in our daily lives, both as individuals and or groups. These powerful books expand on the successful barefoot ministries ancient faith series. In this talk, mark hart beautifully explains how to read, meditate on, and bring to life the sacred scriptures through a technique called, lectio divina. How to pray lectio divina with kids the christian century. Listening to the voice of god within scripture, reflecting on the texts personal meaning for us, and responding to god in prayer is the heart of the ancient tradition. There should never be any pressure to share publicly. Love all people of all religions, races, sexual orientations, and beliefs.
Our thoughts are prayers by lucille olson our thoughts are prayers, and we are always praying. The lectio divina for children and teens handouts enables teachers, catechists, and homeschooling parents to guide their youth through a lectio divina process with very little instruction required. And this prayer practice has the added benefit of introducing kids to the power and beauty of the scriptures, in which god speaks plainly to our hearts through the. During last weeks youth ministry resource webinar, lectio divina was mentioned as a resource for your youth group. The dogmatism of the church has been discarded once for all. How to do lectio divina with a small group anglican youth. The lectio divina process ends with resting quietly in gods arms. Lectio divina towards the wyd rio20 go, therefore, make disciples of all nations mt 28,19. His divine power has granted to us all things that. Lectio divina shared in community a listening for the gentle touch of christ the word the literal sense 1. How to do lectio divina with a small group resourced.
The upper room endorses lectio divina as a way of praying and reading the scripture. Thankfully, i was blessed to study with the benedictines, who are steeped in this prayer practice which st. They need to know that we really care for them, yes, that we will very gladly. How to do lectio divina in five steps at the beginning, the mere practice of lectio divina is, in itself, a response to the holy spirit. Here the basic form has been adapted for use by small groups. Our thoughts are prayers by lucille olson our thoughts are. There are 4 sections to lectio which we will follow. Being young in the netherlands nederlands jeugdinstituut.
Lectio divina is an ancient form of seeking to hear god speak to us through the scriptures. Parents can bless children and youth as they head out for the day or on particular occasions, such as a birthday or the start of a new school year. Lectio divina, the personal drawing close to the scriptures is a right of every baptised person and must be made accessible to them. Lectio divina lectio divina divine, or sacred, reading is the name given to a spiritual tradition among christians over the last two thousand years, in which they attentively and prayerfully read the word of god. What can control youth and save it from the pitfalls of the crass materialism of the age is the. The simple, easytouse format of each handout invites students and. So i learned from wise sisters and brothers how to make this holy reading of scripture part of my prayer life. Eventually, with practice and experience, further appropriate action becomes clear, which is undertaken in reverence, with deep love and joy. People will share as their level of trust increases. Releasing the powers of junior youth, unit 3 3 sad and perplexing situation is not to be found in traditional and ecclesiastical religion. Guiding lectio divina it would be most helpful for you to. Each hears and silently repeats a word or phrase that attracts. I first heard of lectio divina when i started graduate theological studies.
Lecti ivin toward th y io20 o therefore make disciples o al nations mt 8,19. Pay attention to each individual word and what it means and what the whole sentence or phrase means. Post date july 18, 2012 lectio divina, a latin term, means divine reading and describes a way of reading the scriptures whereby we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to listen to what god wants to say to us. Lectio divina is a process of quieting oneself and allowing god to speak to us through words and short phrases found in scripture. These powerful books work perfectly with either small groups or individual bible study. Draw numbers 17, you can trace these or cut out large numbersto stick in. Translated as holy reading, lectio divina is four step method of praying with the bible. One person reads aloud twice the passage of scripture, as others are attentive to some segment that is especially meaningful to them. It is like a river, both shallow and deep, in which a lamb may walk and an elephant may swim gregory the great, commentary on job. Our congregations can bless children and teenagers as theyre promoted to new grades, as they participate in. If you are looking to introduce young people, children and teens, to lectio divina check out this ebook full of activities and resources to help teach the skills needed to. Click on the little flag at the topright of the page to switch. Just bookmark this page on the order of preachers site.
Prayer people of the word lectio divina lay dominicans. To help the middle school youth understand what lectio divina is, this night will begin with a crossword puzzle that challenges them to find different verses in the bible and pick out the missing word. Lectio divina or sacred reading is an ancient method of praying with sacred texts that dates to the fourth. Ultimately, lectio divina is a path that leads those who believe in him to knowledge of him, to unity in him, to the fruitfulness and freedom of being born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of god.
Guiding lectio divina it would be most helpful for you to read this outline thoroughly before leading your group reflection. Group rules confidentialityeverything said in the group stays in the group group members need to be honest when they talkbut are always free to pass. Lectio divina lectio divina, latin for sacred reading, is an ancient practice of quiet prayer and reflection, reading scripture and listening to the voice of god, dating back to about 300ad. You cant make a positive difference if you are cursing or making dirty jokes. It is meant to facilitate an encounter with god through an engaged reading of the scriptures. Seek a higher consciousness, a state of peacefulness, and know that god is always there, and every thought becomes a prayer. Lectio divina is an ancient form of seeking to hear god speak to us through the scriptures, which is attributed to saint benedict c. Start by choosing the text that you want to read ideally 912 verses.