“Lectio divina is an authentic source of Christian spirituality recommended by our Rule. 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.
In this way we shall put into practice the Apostle Paul’s commandment, which is mentioned in our Rule: “Let the sword of the spirit, the Word of God, live abundantly in your mouth and in your hearts; and whatever you must do, do it in the name of the Lord.” – Carmelite Constitutions (No. 82)
8 Comments to "Lectio Divina"
please keep me informed about the Lectio Divinae sessions. Are these like a prayer group – without the waving of hands please?
thank you and with kind regards,
carmelina
Carmelina thanks for your comment. You can keep updated on our events by becoming a friend of the priory. You would be receiving our newsletter. Lectio Divina is simply a meditative prayer group where in silence we ponder on the word of God, and if one wishes one can share some of one’s thoughts and feelings. No there is no ‘waving of hands’ involved. 🙂
I am a practical Christian always eager to know more about God
Lectio Divina can be done on an individual and on a group level.
Various Catholic revival movements use this form of prayer/meditation and bible sharing apart from praising sessions, teaching sessions, eucharistic adorations and celebration of mass. Many of these revival movements are driven by the Holy Spirit including other christian denominations and the “waving of the hands” indeed is a manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit in that you are praising the Lord as moved by His holy presence.. I understand some people feel uncomfortable especially in the beginning when exposed to this form of prayer, since engaging in and understanding such a form of prayer takes time. However, I would have expected an explanation as to what one supposedly does when waving hands, in the answer given. If you are in a concert and your favourite pop star is performing live, would you wave your hands during the actual concert? then how much more can you praise God for His majesty, power and glory, mercy and love – the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit in the blessed Trinity? After all eternal life in heaven is a continuous praising to God – that is what angels do as well……
Thank you for your comments and explanation. We regret we do not know the answer for your query as there is no waving of hands in our practice of Lectio Divina. We ponder silently on the Word of God individually and in a group, then we share our reflections and prayer.
This is the structure we use:
Initial prayer
1. reading
2. meditating
3. Praying
4. Silence
Concluding prayer
I think that in November the dates should be 15th (for the Maltese) and 28th for the (English)…..am I right ?
No it is 15 and 21 as indicated on the website. 🙂
19/09/2014
Good evening
tonight i came to attend the first lectio divina and found everywhere closed. it is true i was late for the event but all the same i went round both sides of the chapel and convent but all doors were closed. i was disappointed and baffled as i had arranged my whole evening around it. there was a notice saying that renovation works were in progress; does this mean that there will be no lectio divina for the time being please? Can you be kind to confirm whether the October session will be held?
with thanks and kind regards,
carmelina sammut
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