Starting Lectio Divina group?

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AlanFromWichita

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Yesterday I asked my pastor what he thought of starting a group at our parish to do Lectio Divina. We might do other things as well.

I intended to ask the people who run the Lectio meeting at our “spiritual life center” for advice, but I’ll ask here, too.

Has anyone gone about starting a Lectio group at their parish? Any advice or cautions? Do we give “training” in Lectio, or just plunge right in?

Alan

edit: Now that I started this thread, I wonder whether it would be better in the “evangelization” sub-forum?
 
Hi Alan,

I think you posted it in the right place due to the spirituality of lectio. You are not attempting to evangelize others, but rather to bring those who are already evangelized and living their faith, into a deeper relationship with Christ through this process you want to establish.

Many years ago, in another state, I belonged to a “bible study” group where we read the gospels and epistles and shared the insights of the author as well as one another. We used the Collegeville Bible Series which had rather good commentaries on each reading. I understand that this series is available today, and a nearby parish uses it.

The only snags, if you will, were from those who dominated the group and were not sensitive enough to let other opinions come forth. It caused a bit of irritation because the nun who led it did nothing to curtail the vociferous ones. This may be something to watch out for.

Many spiritual friendships were formed among the members and it was overall a wonderful blessing to everyone who came to them. We met weekly after morning mass over a period of several years, and often went to lunch afterwards. I’d say we had about 20 regulars.
 
Sirach2 said:
Hi Alan,

I think you posted it in the right place due to the spirituality of lectio. You are not attempting to evangelize others, but rather to bring those who are already evangelized and living their faith, into a deeper relationship with Christ through this process you want to establish.
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Thank you. I see your point.
Many years ago, in another state, I belonged to a “bible study” group where we read the gospels and epistles and shared the insights of the author as well as one another. We used the Collegeville Bible Series which had rather good commentaries on each reading. I understand that this series is available today, and a nearby parish uses it.
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Thank you. We do have a bible study group that meets after Monday morning Mass, but I don’t know what they use. Maybe they use it, too.
The only snags, if you will, were from those who dominated the group and were not sensitive enough to let other opinions come forth. It caused a bit of irritation because the nun who led it did nothing to curtail the vociferous ones. This may be something to watch out for.
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One good thing is that the pastor was pretty excited about the idea, and said that if I could schedule such a thing, he would personally attend. With his personality, I’m pretty sure his presence there would help me – especially in the beginning – if this were to be a problem. 🙂
Many spiritual friendships were formed among the members and it was overall a wonderful blessing to everyone who came to them. We met weekly after morning mass over a period of several years, and often went to lunch afterwards. I’d say we had about 20 regulars.
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That sounds really great. I’d love to have something like that happen.

One thing is that I’ve been very fearful of certain things both in the future and in the present that have come up. Very ugly things, and very real fears. They are turning into a bit of anxiety and I’m starting to doubt my ability to deal with them. Thus, almost as quickly as I suggested starting this prayer group I am attacked with anxiety and fear. To be sure, the “ugly” things started before I made the suggestion, but only in the last few days have they grown to where I feel frozen – which will make things worse. It was so bad that when I was in adoration last night, I got so tense I thought I was going to crawl right out of my skin. One hour seemed like much more. I did manage to get a few minutes of silent prayer in, during which I assumed I had fallen asleep because time went by without me noticing it, but my wife said I wasn’t asleep. So that was a bit of a relief, but it didn’t “stick” very well.

The “things” involve an serious oncoming financial disaster that I don’t specifically whether I will be able to avoid, which would be fine except I have to feed my family. Also they involve the health of a loved one, for whom I am responsible, and has taken a serious negative turn – consuming a great deal of my time, energy, and damaging my hope.

So I guess I’ve strayed from the original topic here to “me” but I just think it’s awfully strange how these things happened all at once. I wonder if my desire to start a prayer group somehow set me up for these trials – which I’m not sure I will pass. Pass in the way of handling them acceptably without going homeless, etc. … of course “these things shall pass” holds true but right now I’m nearly blinded and frozen with this anxiety. Right now I’m not feeling it, so it isn’t constant, but it can go on for several hours and then only a ten minute break before it hits again.

Alan
 
Update: the situation with the loved one who is ill just took a turn for the better.

I’m bummed that I chose to write that I’m responsible. I am not. I am just who I am, and I do what I can do. I am not a “victim” of life any more than anyone else.

Maybe I will start a prayer group, with the help of friends. Maybe not. Maybe later. It’s a matter of priorities and my vocation, etc.

OK. Enough about me. I’ll quit sidetracking this thread. If anyone else has opinions or observations about starting up a prayer group – Lectio or otherwise, I’d like to hear them. 🙂

Alan
 
AlanFromWichita said:
Yesterday I asked my pastor what he thought of starting a group at our parish to do Lectio Divina. We might do other things as well.

I intended to ask the people who run the Lectio meeting at our “spiritual life center” for advice, but I’ll ask here, too.

Has anyone gone about starting a Lectio group at their parish? Any advice or cautions? Do we give “training” in Lectio, or just plunge right in?

Alan

edit: Now that I started this thread, I wonder whether it would be better in the “evangelization” sub-forum?
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our diocese had a few years ago formation sessions for representatives of each parish who were asked to be “promoters” of the practice of lectio divina in there parishes, and to that end were taught a method of doing this in small groups, so yes there are resources out there. When I get back into the office I will post source for resources we were given. Then this was supplanted by Disciples in Mission, which is the small group based evangelization program now embraced by the diocese.

LD in a small group is NOT a bible study, nor is it precisely a faith sharing group, although there are common elements, so it is best to have realistic expectations going into this. People do NOT give their “opinions” in interpretation of a given scripture passage, they rather share to the extent comfortable what the Word is saying to them personally at that moment in time. This sharing is a prelude to the real work of lectio, meditation and prayer, leading to what should be a time of silence for contemplation, which carries on in each individual after the group session.

Alan have not heard from you in a while, welcome back
I recall that you are well practiced in lectio divina on your own which is something I would recommend to anyone thinking of starting such a group.
 
What exactly is Lectio Divina?

Anyway, you mentioned other ideas, so something worth a look is Catholic Charities website for a program called “Engaging Spirituality” - it might be worth considering in your parish. I was at a presentation for it, and really would like to join them.
justfaith.org/programs/engagingspirituality.html
 
Thank you for the web sites.

Yes, puzzleannie, I was on haitus for a while, but now – even though I have very little to say – I’ve been saying it. It’s fun to be back.

I used to do contemplative prayer quite a bit, but lately I haven’t for various non-reasons. That’s one thing I wanted to do for sure, is get back into the practice before I try to lead others. For that matter, I don’t have to lead the group, if I can find others to do so. One guy in our parish goes to meeting every week and often leads Lectio there, so I might talk him into it. Somehow I think he will if he can.

Alan
 
I lead a Lectio Divina group where I am assigned for ministry. It is for the staff and teachers.

I have modified the format that we use in our formation houses for group Lectio Divina.

If you are intrested I can post it here.
 
ByzCath said:
I lead a Lectio Divina group where I am assigned for ministry. It is for the staff and teachers.

I have modified the format that we use in our formation houses for group Lectio Divina.

If you are intrested I can post it here.
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I am very interested! 🙂 In fact, the pastor did specifically mention he’d like to see the school faculty and staff get involved in Lectio. I would like to see the format you used!

Alan
 
this is very simple but what we do in our oblate meetings, usually on a scripture chosen for the theme of the day, or the Sunday gospel. Tables are set up for 8 people.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit.
One person reads the selection slowly and carefully as everyone listens.
there is a period of silence, perhaps 90-120 seconds
a second person reads the verses again, this time participants are instructed to listen for one word or phrase that speaks to them
after the reading each person is invited to share that word, simply repeating the scripture words that struck them, without elaboration or explanation.
there is another brief silence.
a third person reads the passage again
this time participants are asked to state their reaction to the message in terms like “I feel”, “I hear”, “I sense” “I imagine,” etc. in a brief statement no more than a sentence or two.
after this sharing, anyone who wishes is invited to put their response in the form of a prayer
in some groups, we each read the passage silently at this point, and write our personal prayer response down on the paper, or in our journals,
this practice is done just before it is time to go to chapel or to adoration, so participants are instructed to continue their personal prayer and meditation and to remain in silence and contemplation.
 
My parish has a group. I’ve never been, but from what I understand is once a month our pastor leads it and it is more of an introduction and how to along with the actual reflection. The rest of the month (once a week) it is simply doing it. That seems like a good plan as it allows new people to join easily without having to go over the background every week.
 
KarenElissa said:
My parish has a group. I’ve never been, but from what I understand is once a month our pastor leads it and it is more of an introduction and how to along with the actual reflection. The rest of the month (once a week) it is simply doing it. That seems like a good plan as it allows new people to join easily without having to go over the background every week.
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Nice idea. Especially when it comes to contemplation, it helps to have some training.

Alan
 
Here is the format I use for a 45 minute meeting,

Leader will ask for volunteers for readings
Leader: Moment of silence – Opening Prayer
First Reader: Read the reading
Everyone: Share a word or phrase that strikes you from the reading
Second Reader: (Allow time for sharing) Read the reading
Everyone: Share a reflection on the reading
Third Reader: (Allow time for sharing) Read the reading
Everyone: Share a prayer that is inspired by the reading, share an intercessory prayer, share any prayer that you feel called to share at this time.
Leader: Closing Prayer
If it is an hour we add a reading and break up the say a word and say a pharse into two parts rather than doing them together.

I also stress that if a person does not have anything to share during one of the steps or they do not wish to share they do not have to. Silence is a good thing, not something fear. If no one has anything for a step that is ok and we will sit in silence for a bit before moving on.

My main point is that we do not force sharing on anyone and we do not hold things up.

There is no discussion. Our reflections are just that, our own. We do not comment on the reflections of others unless it is to say something like “that made me think of this”.

These rules are shared at the first meeting and everyone must agree with them. Also we respect each other and keep what is said confidential.
 
ByzCath said:
There is no discussion. Our reflections are just that, our own. We do not comment on the reflections of others unless it is to say something like “that made me think of this”.

These rules are shared at the first meeting and everyone must agree with them. Also we respect each other and keep what is said confidential.
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Thank you for sending me this format and ground rules. (I apologize for taking so long to answer.) I especially like the part about keeping the reflections personal. I recently went to a Lectio meeting where they kind of “discussed” it and I can see how much better it would be to have it the way you describe. People had their own reflections, but I was surprised to hear comments that were, afa I could tell, intended to “help” each others’ reflections, let’s say. 😦

Alan
 
AlanFromWichita said:
Thank you for sending me this format and ground rules. (I apologize for taking so long to answer.) I especially like the part about keeping the reflections personal. I recently went to a Lectio meeting where they kind of “discussed” it and I can see how much better it would be to have it the way you describe. People had their own reflections, but I was surprised to hear comments that were, afa I could tell, intended to “help” each others’ reflections, let’s say. 😦

Alan
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yes this is important. this is not the same as a small group faith sharing, in that there is not a discussion that builds on or invites comment on what participants say. It is rather almost a practice session for how one would begin this type of prayer on their own. It goes without saying as in all small group formats that confidentiality is absolute. What is said here stays here and is not even mentioned after the session. This is also not the time for a backstory on my comment or response, or conscious effort to “apply the Word to my daily life”. It is more listening to the Word and what one hears at this given time, and stating, “this is what I hear.” Yes that connection to my life should happen, often during the meditation and prayer phase, but this is not the format for a lengthy discussion of one’s personal life. That is where it differs from a “faith sharing” setting.

this is also not “bible study” as in discussion what Jesus meant by this or that choice of words (eye of the needle, mammon etc). Generally preparation such as reading the selection with the study notes or references, should happen before lectio begins.
 
puzzleannie,

That’s a lot of things this type of group would not be, and I appreciate it because I’ve seen, in parish politics, that things turn out the way certain “power members” think they should be – so any preconceived notions have to go out the window.

It sounds like the overall theme you’re talking about is we’re not discussing; we’re listening. To God. To hear each others’ reflections is precious icing on that cake, and can even trigger each other to be touched in more ways by the same scriptures.

We are listening, from the verbal level to deeper levels, and eventually to an silent but active “inviting” as much as “listening” because we don’t necessarily expect to hear God through words and sounds during prayer – especially human discussion. I don’t even expect to hear God through “thoughts” or “feelings” inasmuch as they are converted to verbal. The biggest trick for me is to shut off my verbal processor and let the Holy Spirit have the full floor using the language of God – silence. Sometimes I think I can do that for maybe a few seconds at a time. Then again, God doesn’t work in the same “time” frame as we do. hmmm.

Alan
 
AlanFromWichita said:
puzzleannie,

That’s a lot of things this type of group would not be, and I appreciate it because I’ve seen, in parish politics, that things turn out the way certain “power members” think they should be – so any preconceived notions have to go out the window.

It sounds like the overall theme you’re talking about is we’re not discussing; we’re listening. To God. To hear each others’ reflections is precious icing on that cake, and can even trigger each other to be touched in more ways by the same scriptures.

Alan
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bingo

the reason for beginning with acknowledging feelings is that there is where listening begins in the human psyche which processes and receives first through the senses. Yes the goal is to move beyond the emotional and sense level to the much deeper, “true” reception of the message but it takes time and practice.

you might begin any meeting to publicize your idea or train group facilitators or promoters with the prologue to the Rule of St Benedict, which begins with the injunction, “Listen”.
 
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