Well, it certainly has been a long time since my last entry. I've had time to reflect upon many things, some of which I will share in upcoming posts.
I'd like to continue where I left off in the last entry in which I spoke about the silent retreat I hosted at my home last Summer. The retreat, entitled "God Loves You: A Love That's Everlasting", proved to be a heart-warming event. We were all very blessed by our two speakers who shared their time, knowledge, and experience with our intimate group.
Our first speaker gave us the history and foundation of two ancient forms of prayer: "Lectio Divina" and "Contemplation", both of which are intended to help draw us closer to God. In this entry, I will explain Lectio Divina -- a type of prayer that is shared in a community. Our small group made the ideal setting for going through the process. The speaker chose a short reading from Holy Scripture (any Bible verse(s) can be used). The prayer proceeds in the following way.
The first stage is READ: one participant reads the chosen scripture aloud. After a short silence, each hears and silently repeats a word or phrase from the reading that attracts them. All those who choose to do so are then asked to share the word or phrase with the group without elaborating any further.
The second stage is REFLECT: the same scripture verse is read aloud by another participant. After a short silence, each member is asked to reflect on the question: "What does this reading mean to me?" Those choosing to do so are then asked to briefly share what it means to them.
The third stage is RESPOND: the same scripture verse is read aloud by a third participant. After a short silence, each member is asked to reflect on how God is calling them to respond. Those choosing to do so may briefly pray aloud spontaneously expressing their response.
The fourth stage is REST: the participants are asked to rest in The Word and "take" The Word with them. The prayer sequence is then concluded with "The Our Father".
Participants were then invited to quietly walk around The Lodge grounds for a 10-minute break of silent contemplation.
(Speaker's Note: The stage of REST is Contemplation. It is God's response to us, so it's totally beyond our control. We cannot create contemplation by ourselves. It is a Divine Gift that God - in His Goodness - gives us. We are totally passive, held by the Mystery of God. Essentially, it is a gaze, God's gaze into us, and our gaze of faith back at Him. Your whole self becomes focused on the Lord. It is nothing more than a close sharing between friends. It is deep, intimate, sometimes tearful, and often too deep for words. It's childlike. It's a surrender to the Living Will of the Father in an even deeper union with Jesus.)
I'd love to share my experience with you, but I don't think it would translate very well. There are some things words just can't explain... and maybe they're not meant to. I encourage you to try this uplifting form of prayer for yourself with a trusted group of friends. May the Peace of Christ be with you today and always.
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