Many of us are used to reading texts for informational purposes. Scripture can easily become another form of informational reading as opposed to transformational reading, which the Living Word is meant to be. I have found the practice of Lectio Divina to be a helpful way to allow the Word to transform me.
A beautiful and succinct overview of this powerful practice can be found on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John website. I have also put together a short video as a way of providing an overview of what we are doing when we practice Lectio Divina. May this be a helpful tool for you!
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/539399137
True Story: At our Spring Retreat this year, we used the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina to allow the following text to transform us:
Jesus answered, “Time’s up. The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.
“If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.”
– John 12:23-26 MSG.
As we were in the middle of this practice, I remember thinking to myself, “Man! Why did I choose this text? It’s a bit HARSH. How is this coming across? I wish Jesus were a little more palatable.” (Yes, I really thought that.) Imagine my surprise and sheepish delight when my friend, Amy, later told me, “I felt like the words, ‘Time’s up’ were specifically for me; it was just what I needed to hear!”
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