Canton Church of the Brethren

Lectio Divina is a prayerful approach to the scriptures.  Some would say it is a way of praying the scriptures.  This practice, which translated means Divine Reading, was introduced by a 12th-century Carthusian monk named Guigo.  Lectio Divina can be practiced a number of ways both individually or in groups.  he most common method has 4 steps: Reading, Meditation, Response, and Contemplation.  Sometimes another step of prayer is added.  Or, the method can be reduced to 3 steps of reading, meditation, and action.

The purpose of Lectio Divina is putting aside analytical approaches to scripture and simply letting the passage speak on its own.  Ultimately, the result is a deeper connection with God through the message gleaned from the text.

Over the next 4 Sundays in February, we will be looking at texts from the gospel of Luke.  You are invited to practice Lectio Divina individually each week using the text for the next Sunday.  The text for the first Sunday in February was not provided ahead of time, therefore you may want to sit with it post-sermon.  Subsequent texts you can sit with pre-sermon and develop your own thoughts in comparison or contrast to the message preached.

On Sunday, February 17, we will meet in the Fellowship Hall rather than in the sanctuary.  The time together that morning will be spent in a contemplative service of Lectio Divina.  We will dispense with the formality of our usual worship experience and instead focus on one passage of scripture.  You will be the sermon that morning.  Opportunity will be given for expression of how the text has spoken or is speaking to you in the practice of Divine Reading.  To eliminate fear, you will not be required to share but opportunity will be provided to offer your thoughts on the text, as it speaks directly to you.  Some would say this is the scripture coming alive, or becoming the living word of God.  From this experience, we may discern an action, either individual or corporate, to engage in, although this result is not the anticipated or intended outcome.

And, we will then share in a meal together.  Since we meet at 9:30am and conclude no later than 10:30, the meal will be a brunch, potluck style.  So bring your favorite breakfast casserole, or coffee cake, or fruit tray, or any other favorite brunch item.  We’ll enjoy a journey in the scriptures and fellowship around the tables.  We’ll feed on the Word and good food, all of which sustain us.

The texts from Luke to reflect upon during February are as follows:

• February 3  Luke 4:21-30
• February 10 Luke 5:1-11
• February 17 Luke 6:17-26
• February 24 Luke 6:27-38