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Lectio Divina

This is what Pope Benedict XVI said about Lectio Divina:

I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayers brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart. If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church - I am convinced of it - a new spiritual springtime.

Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading, spiritual reading, or holy reading. It represents a traditional Christian practice of praying and scriptural reading intended to promote deeper communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God's words. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray and even sing and rejoice from God's words, within the soul.

Lectio Divina is perhaps the most effective and natural way to pray with Scripture. It has existed in the Church for almost 2000 years, but in the last few centuries it was largely confined to the monastic life. Perhaps it is easier and more natural to pray with Lectio Divina than we might think. One does not need to be a scholar to be able to pray with Lectio Divina and to come into an intimate relationship with God.

I read under the eyes of God until the heart is touched and leaps to flame

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