Contemplative Outreach: Lectio Divina Workshops

Introductory Lectio Divina Workshops

This workshop teaches the method of Lectio Divina as a way to pray the sacred scriptures. The workshop presents an ancient Christian tradition of prayer that nourishes and deepens one's relationship with God through reading, reflecting, responding and resting in the Word of God.

The complete workshop consists of seven sessions. The first session is open to anyone who desires to learn how to pray the scriptures. This session includes presentations on ways of interacting with the Word of God — Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio — and an exploration of the fruits of one's deepening relationship with God. The other six sessions are follow-up sessions, which provide an opportunity for participants to continue to deepen their understanding of Lectio Divina and to experience the prayer in a group setting. Follow-up sessions are open only to those who have completed the first session. Participants are encouraged to attend all seven sessions and to make a 30-day commitment to a daily Lectio Divina practice. No previous experience is required.

Deepening the Practice of Lectio Divina

Introduction to Monastic Lectio Divina (Workshop II)

This presentation provides a deepening understanding of Lectio Divina as a way of praying the scriptures. The four moments of the prayer are explored as expressions of the four senses of scripture, namely, the literal, moral, allegorical, and unitive sense. The monastic form of Lectio Divina is used for the group experiences of the prayer. It may be done in either a one-day workshop or in the context of a weekend retreat. A pre-requisite for this presentation is the Introductory Workshop/Retreat on Lectio Divina or the on-going experience of praying Lectio Divina.

Lectio Divina Immersion Retreat

Purpose:

To provide an opportunity to deepen the practice of Lectio Divina in an atmosphere of silence and community.

Dispositions:

It is helpful if one is at ease with silence as silence is part of the rhythm of the retreat. If there is a need, a short introduction to Centering Prayer will be also provided.

Description:

This retreat provides a deepening understanding of Lectio Divina as a way of praying the scriptures. The four moments of the prayer are explored as expressions of the four senses of scripture, namely, the literal, moral, allegorical, and unitive sense. The monastic form of Lectio Divina is used for the group experiences of the prayer. An introduction to Lectio Divina is normally included in the first days of the retreat to orient those new to the practice. This often proves helpful for experienced practitioners as well.

Length:

This retreat may be given in 5, 7, 8 or 10 days. The presenter and the retreat team would determine the appropriate presentations and schedule to meet the needs of the participants and provide them with a meaningful experience with Lectio Divina.