From support groups
One of the most central and ancient practices of Christian prayer is lectio divina which means “divine reading”. The practice begins with a prayer to the Holy Spirit which asks for guidance in discerning the call and truth in matters that may be revealed to us in prayer, the lectio process,and/or through one another’s shared gifts. Next, a reading from a few verses of Holy Scripture or from the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross, or from a passage from the writings of Father Moreau,or another appropriate source is shared. Throughout the process, we prayerfully assume an open frame of mind that the passage being shared may have a message for us as individuals and/or as a community. We prayerfully assume an attitude that the Holy Spirit could be revealing something that makes sense to us through the passage and/or through the insights others are sharing during the process. The selected passage is read repeatedly and unhurriedly four times so we can listenand stay alert to connections that begin to emerge from the reading and what is being shared by our colleagues. We prayerfully ask, “What are you saying to me Lord? What am I to hear through this selected reading?”Listening in this way requires patience and a willingness to let go of our own agendas.
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The lectio divina process facilitator selects a passage to be read: scriptures, Constitutions, the writings of Father Moreau–whatever seems inspired from an appropriate source. Or, the facilitator may choose the Gospel reading for the following Sunday, or another passage appropriate to the day.
Suggestion
It is strongly suggested that the passage be copied for, and distributed to each participant in the group.
Meeting Opening
The facilitator opens the meeting with a prayer or a reflection that invites the guidance, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit to be present in the group and throughout the readings and sharing.
The facilitator first reads aloud the selected passage.
After a pause, a second reader reads aloud the same passage a second time. Those in the gathering are following along and listening for a word or phrase that strikes them in a meaningful way. Following a time for reflection, the second reader shares first what struck him/her from the passage, and invites others to follow with their sharing.
After a pause, a third reader reads aloud the same passage for the third time while those participating are listening for a something that resonates with them either through the reading,or through something that someone was inspired to share, or a combination of both. Following a time for reflection, the third reader shares first what struck him/her them as a result of the reading and/or what others may have previously shared, and invites others to follow with their sharing.
After a pause, the facilitator reads the passage a fourth time. During the reading, each person in the group listens for God’s call or message that may be discerned from passage, and/or thoughts shared from members of the group. Following the reading, the facilitator shares first the call he/she heard; for example, “I feel God is calling me to….”Then the facilitator invites others to share. This continues until there has been an opportunity for everyone to share. Sometimes,a colleague may simply wish to affirm another’s sharing, or relate to it as an insight he/she has gained through the lectio process.
Meeting Closing
The meeting closes with the facilitator leading a prayer that acknowledges the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and for any intentions from the associates present.
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