The ones I have read how to do lectio divina from are those who are sympathetic to it and who admire the desert fathers and other Catholic mystics. Of course you think I’m mistaken, because you approve of it (per your last posts).
http://www.covchurch.org/companion/articles/2004-september-spiritual-practices101
“Students are instructed to find one phrase, or even one key word, and to just continually meditate on it. After ten minutes, I ask the students to share their experience, and have been amazed at the depth of theological insight that has come from the meditation of teenagers.”
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I’m sorry but repeating a phrase or word like that is a mantra.
Mysticism is not part of the Christian faith. Spiritual ‘practices’ or ‘disciplines’ do nothing to sanctify. It is what Colossians and Galatians were confronting.
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https://www.covchurch.org/formation/departmental-ministries/prayer-ministry
Habits of the Heart
The Habits of the Heart seminar is an interactive and experiential spiritual formation retreat to provide instruction and experiences in classic spiritual habits/disciplines so that participants grow in their practice of the presence of God. The most common form is as an all-church weekend retreat beginning Friday evening, continuing all day Saturday, and concluding on Sunday morning.
Topics covered include:
* Praying the Word (Lectio Divina)
* God-centered silence (centering prayer)
* Our spiritual heritage (liturgical prayer)
* Less can be more (feasting by fasting)
* Empowered by a personal vision (a rule of life)
* Encouraged by a “soul friend” (spiritual direction)
* Written reflection on our life and faith (journaling)
Time to Breathe… an invitation to a place and time to hear God’s still small voice.“
A Time to Breathe” is an interactive and experiential retreat for youth that is designed to provide guidance and experience in spiritual practices so that participants may grow in their journey with God. Youth Workers and students explore together what it means to be in the presence of God.
Come take time to breathe!
• Quiet
• Space for God’s transformation
• Intentional time to be with God
• Looking at Prayer in new ways
• Multi-sensory approaches to interact with God
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This is all Colossians 2 behavior.
“because you approve of it”.
You have missed the whole meaning of what I have tried my best to offer regarding the true practice (and meaning) of lectio divina.
Because you persist in thinking that lectio divina, as presented in your post here, is not a valid nor authentic way of the ancient form of Scriptural prayer—so be it.
I can’t do any more than I’ve done to indicate to you that we are not talking about the same thing.
So I don’t intend to exert any more time and effort to it.
In the end, all that is hidden will be revealed. I’m confident that the prayerful reading of Scripture in the way of lectio divina will form a deeply committed Christian life —one that is ready to be received by the Lord into His kingdom..
Until He comes again-—adios.