#3 - Joining reading and prayer together in Christian devotional spirituality practice

“God invites us as we read the biblical text to reflect in our reading, respond in our hearing and seeing, rest by living in the text and expecting it to live out of us . . . simply to be progressively conformed to the Image of Christ for the sake of others”

Lectio Divina - Praying the Scriptures

The classical form of lectio divina has four components, but in his book Invitation to a Journey M. Robert Mulholland adds introductory and concluding elements that are very helpful. The following is an adaptation of Mulholland’s explanation of the components of lectio divina.

Lectio Divina, or “sacred readings,” is a form of praying texts

Although praying the Scriptures is the most common form of lectio divina, it is also possible to pray other texts, such as poetry or devotional writings. Lectio Divina is a Christian spiritual discipline; here is its sequence . . .

Reading and Praying “flow together” – they are like dancing-partners . . . 

• Some times prayer leads out
• Other times reading initiates
• Or they move in unison . . . 

One pattern of praying with which reading in a lectio divina framework flows is the practice of praying “The Prayer of Examen” . . .

• The Prayer of Examen is a daily spiritual exercise developed by Ignatius of Loyola.

The prayer’s practice seeks to grow followers of Jesus in their capacity to discern God’s will, find God in all things, and enhance their understanding of God’s good creation.

• It’s strength is as a guided examination through relational prayer with God and the Holy Spirit’s guidance . . .
• The prayer may take between ten and twenty minutes
• The majority of that time will be spent reviewing your day, often it is applied at the close of one’s day . . .
• Try not to dwell too long on thoughts. Instead, allow yourself to become aware and move on.

Like two sides of a door, the prayer of examen has two basic aspects . . .

It is an examen of Consciousness

• Through which we discover how God has been present to us throughout the day and how we have responded to His loving presence.

It is an examen of Conscience

• In which we uncover those areas that need cleansing, purifying and healing.

Both of these “journeys of prayerful examination” are taken with and in the company of the indwelling “Holy Spirit” – it is not a self guided tour, the “means of grace is our guide”

• The Spirit’s word is the last word, not a passing opinion
• The Spirit never speaks through condemnation, only conviction . . .
• Condemnation is generalised – Romans 8:1-2
• Conviction is always specific – John 16:8; Romans 8:12-17

The prayer of examen produces within us the priceless grace of self-knowledge.

Through faith, self-knowledge leads us to a self-acceptance and a self-love enabling us to further draw our life from God’s acceptance and love.

Click here for "THE PRAYER OF EXAMEN"

Anthony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling, The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice. 1st ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2007.
Richard J. Foster, Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home. 1st ed. [San Francisco]: HarperSanFrancisco, 1992.
M. Robert. Mulholland, Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1993.

From SSPP Seminar session #3