Lection Divina, a method of praying Scripture, is an integral part of our community as we gather for prayer.
Within our Liturgies
In each liturgy we take time to reflect, in small groups, on the Scripture that we have just encountered as a community. After hearing the Scripture proclaimed, we take a few moments of quiet and then move into groups of 6 to 8 people, to share on what has arisen within us as we heard the Word, and how it impacts us, positively or negatively, in this moment.
Those joining our liturgy via Zoom form one of the small lectio groups.
Generally we spend 20 minutes in our small groups before coming back to the full community gathering to share in communal prayer.
In preparation for our Liturgies
Each week, we distribute a set of notes, via email, as guidance in spending personal time with the Scripture readings for the forthcoming Sunday.
On Monday evenings, from 8 to 9pm, we have a Zoom LECTIO DIVINA session in preparation for the forthcoming Sunday Gospels
If you would like to join our Monday evening session then complete our contact form choosing the appropriate option. Contact Us
Lectio Process OITC
(Drafted by Eileen Fitzpatrick, November 2024)
The aim of our Lectio is to Listen, Reflect, Share and then Listen.
Listen
First we listen to the readings, opening ourselves to what resonates for us in relation to our own personal life experience.
Reflect
We sit in quiet for a few moments after the readings to allow something we have heard or some way we have reacted to resonate in our being.
Share
In the group sharing there are two distinct steps.
- Echo Sharing. You share a word or phrase from the readings that spoke to you. No explanation or comment on it, simply speaking the word or phrase into the group.
- Deeper Sharing: You share what stood out for you by way of encouragement or challenge.
Where do you find the Good News?
For you, is there encouragement, inspiration or a challenge in any of the readings?
Listen
We take time to listen to other people’s experiences in the group.
Guidelines for the Group Process
- It is OK to listen rather than to speak. Nobody should feel or be put under any pressure to speak.
- It is OK to have periods of silence in the group.
- We avoid cross-talk as it tends to slip into advice giving or a discussion.
- We are mindful of leaving space for others to share.
The Art of Listening
“We need some people to listen to us in order to hear ourselves.” (E. Gendlin)
By listening to others
- we offer them a gift
- we may gain a new perspective
- we know we are not alone in our experiences