Suggested format for Lectio gatherings

LECTIO DIVINA

A suggested format for gathering around the Word.

This format presupposes that we are following the Sunday Lectionary.

1. Welcome and Opening Prayer.
   Read aloud the passage together (i.e. the Gospel of the previous Sunday).
   Reflective music invoking the Holy Spirit.
2. Offering of Meditations and Prayers.
   Offering of “life experiences” in which we recognize the Gospel being fulfilled today, immediately followed by an invitation to offer prayers of thanksgiving, repentance and petition to our heavenly Father.
3. Contemplative moment.
   A journey into deep silence and stillness in God’s presence.
   The silent repetition of a sacred word or phrase from the Gospel might be helpful.
   An appropriate refrain or piece of music might be helpful to conclude this “moment”.
4. Wisdom moment.
   A period of discussion and reflection on any new insight or understanding we have received from our journey with this Gospel passage.
   The formulation of a wisdom statement.
   An opportunity to hold this wisdom statement in prayer.
5. Introduction to next week’s passage.
   Read aloud the Gospel passage together. Situate the passage historically. Offer some suggested guidelines for Meditation.
6. Ritual of Veneration of the Scriptures.