Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading) is the ancient monastic process of meditative prayer. Based on the reading of the Bible in small groups, this approach invites us to
Enter the world in which the text was written.
To reflect meditatively and prayerfully on its significance for our world today,
To listen contemplatively to the Word of God, through Jesus Christ, as he speaks to each one of us in the depths of our heart.

Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit the members read, meditate on, and pray about the text of the Gospel for the coming Sunday. Each week members of the group share how the passage of the previous Sunday "spoke" to them. In this way, and through the fellowship of sharing and praying together, members come to understand more fully the relevance of their faith and trust in God. It is also a great source of spiritual support for members of the group in times of sorrow or worry.

The Lectio Divina group in Knocklyon has been in existence since 1997 and meet every Tuesday from 11.00 am for about an hour. The group is small and intimate but new members are always welcomed. Indeed if anyone wished to set up another group, one of the existing members would be available for initial advice and guidance and in this way help to spread the message of Hope, Joy and Good News contained in the Bible.

There are vibrant Lectio Divina groups among the younger generation in some parishes. Reading the Sunday Gospel, meditating on it and praying the words is a great help in understanding the Good News message which is there for all to receive at Mass. The priest's homily becomes more relevant to our daily lives. Being familiar with the Liturgy of the Word before attending Mass makes the whole occasion more meaningful and leads to a deeper spiritual involvement in the Eucharist.

If you would like to experience Lectio Divina for yourself, just go along to the Iona Centre on Tuesday at 11.00 am. If you would like information about setting up another group, or a group for young people.

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