In this session, Fr Shortall shows us one way of praying 'Lectio Divina' - the way of praying that we attribute to St Benedict (6th Century).
Psalm 16 verses 1-2; 7-11.
Review of Prayer:
- What happened?
- What did you notice?
- What touched or saddened you?
See the scene, the disciples, Jesus - as a picture on the wall.
See the scene as a movie clip; noticing movement, hearing sounds, observing the action.
Enter the scene as a participant - one of the disciples - as if you are actually there.
Scripture Passage:
John 21:2-10 Come and eat.
Review of Prayer:
What happened as I gave this time to God?
Did I ask for anything in particular?
Was I delighted, energised, disappointed, anxious?
Did I find myself focusing on others?
Gaze at this scene - the disciples, Jesus - as a painting on the wall.
See the scene as a movie clip: hearing the roar of the wind and the waves; noticing the movement of the dark clouds; seeing the fear on the faces of the disciples.
Place yourself in this very scene: sitting beside the disciples; feeling, sensing their fear - mirrored in your experience of anxiety, grief, anger at this time.
Scripture Passage:
John 6:16-21
Review of Prayer:
What touched, saddened, distracted me?
What did I discover?
Did I speak openly, honestly, freely to God?
Was I able to stop and listen to God?
In this final session Fr Shortall offers us another experience of ‘Lectio Divina’ (Sacred Reading) – the way of praying that we attribute to St Benedict.
Scripture Passage:
Psalm 121
Review of Prayer:
What happened?
Was I distracted, disappointed?
Was I energised, uplifted, consoled?
Was I able to stop and listen to God?