My dog, Bolt, and I say “Happy 4th Day of Christmas Season!”
I hope your holidays are going well for you. We’ve had a few snows up here at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, so our family has especially enjoyed the season. One of my favorite things to do in snow is taking my dogs out on a late night walk in the peaceful quiet of snow-covered streets and trails. That quiet is a unique kind of quiet. I had the fortunate experience of doing this a couple of nights ago, with my friend, Troy, when his family came over for Game Night at the Spencers’. Good stuff.
I want to share a couple of thoughtful pieces with you today. They are excellent reflections on what the practice of Lectio Divina is about. I hope you find them both helpful and insightful. Here you go:
Tiffany Keith’s Blog:
http://www.tiffanykeith.com/2012/11/12/practicing-relationship-growth-and-not-christmas/#.UN3iIqU0q0s . I especially like the creative little video Tiffany and some of her classmates at Iliff School of Theology made (see bottom of her page). Their take on the practice is a little different from mine but there’s always room for variety, right? And Tiffany shares some wonderful thoughts on her first-hand experience of Lectio Divina. I agree with her, real transformation doesn’t come in the “Wow!” moment but in one’s resting and participating with God over time. We can keep reminding ourselves that it’s God’s work in us, not our work or earning, that transforms. The invitation is to show up, participate, be with God, in whatever ways possible every day (Lectio Divina is one of countless practices). And also to remember, God does not force Godself upon us, which is why our assent/participation is so key. Finally, some of us may find helpful Tiffany’s experience of when to respond and create during the practice (after instead of during the reading) and of needing to follow along with the reading, rather than simply listening. There are so many ways of practicing all of the practices, aren’t there? What are you thoughts?
Contemplative Outreach’s Resources: http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/category/category/lectio-divina . On their page, see under Documents, select the Lectio Divina Brochure. I really like how this brochure includes the practice of Centering Prayer with Lectio Divina. My favorite way to practice Lectio is to do Centering Prayer during the Contemplation time at the end of the practice. That is, my experience of “resting with God” in contemplation, has to do with being still and quiet and as wordless as possible. Some of the saints call this “gazing into the eyes of God and allowing God to gaze into our eyes, wordless.” Again, what are you thoughts?
I’ll be back next week with another podcast. None this week, as I am taking time with my family. Hope to hear from you.
Deep Christmas Peace,
Todd
Lectio Divina 