Conversing With God In Scripture: A Contemporary Approach To Lectio Divina

Stephen J. Binz, Conversing with God in Scripture, A contemporary Approach to Lectio Divina (Ijamsville, Maryland, The Word Among Us Press, 2008) Lectio Divina, Latin for `divine reading', is a `forgotten method' for reading the Bible. Lectio divina is more elaborate than many methods, and more appropriate for doing in small groups. This short volume presents a Catholic perspective on the method, and includes a wide variety of sources from modern web sites to early church writings. In spite of the outline and samples presented in this book, there is no one right way to do lectio divina. The practice of `sacred reading', without any well-planned outline, goes back as far as Origen (3rd century), St. Jerome (5th century), and St. Benedict (6th century, Article 48 in his `Rule') I was taught two different methods by two different instructors at the Moravian Theological Seminary. Both methods shared the two characteristics stated above, short passages and groups. The third important (but not essential) criteria is a fertile passage, capable of evoking strong associations. One example is 1 Corinthians 13:12 - 13: 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. Some passages are richer than others, but if you perform the practice on a regular basis, you may be surprised at how pregnant an innocent sounding passage may become, such as Hosea 1:8-9: 8 When she had weaned Lo-ruhamah (no compassion), she conceived and bore a son. 9 Then the LORD said, "Name him Lo-ammi (not my people), for you are not my people and I am not your God. The virtue of such passages is that they are NOT familiar to us, and are therefore more stimulating of original thoughts. This passage reveals that many passages require the preliminary step of fully understanding all the words in the passage, especially the names. Most names in the OT have a meaning which is relevant to the understanding of the context. While the characteristics of lectio divina are flexible, there are some requirements, because there are many types of scriptural reading which are not lectio divina. The first attribute is that one establishes a dialogue between the reader and God. Two things help to make this a dialogue. The first is that unlike an original prayer, you are reading God's word. The group setting is not essential, but it definitely enhances the sense that you are participating in a dialogue. The second attribute is that this dialogue is intimate and heartfelt. It is not like a talk show dialogue or even like a Platonic dialogue. The state of mind is almost hypnotic, where things are revealed, maybe even in spite of yourself. The third attribute is that this is the kind of thinking which leaves a mark after the experience. You are more disposed to certain actions after you complete the exercise.

I didn't think I would like this book that was recommended to me. I have read many books on lectio and didn't think I really needed to read another one. But this one is wonderful. It explains the prayer fully and in simple, concrete terms. It reminds us that lectio is a very natural, normal method of praying that really is not new. It offers Americans exactly what so many find attractive about Eastern spirituality.

We just started using this in our weekly Bible study and have only read chapters 1 and 2. However, we have used several other commentaries by Stephen Binz in the past and love his easy-to-understand writing style and insight. This book is no exception. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a more-personal approach to Scripture - either in individual or group study. Thank you, Stephen Binz!

For the first time , I finally understand how to talk to God from the deep silence of my heart .