Read, Reflect, RESPOND, Rest

After reading a portion of the Word and discovering the point of reflection, we are ready for the next part of the spiritual discipline known as "Lectio Divina."   While it is not quite as simple as moving from one step to another, there is a definite movement within this particular discipline.  What we are searching for in the beginning is the Word God wants us to hear and experience.  Once this has happened, responding to Him is but a natural part of our progression toward Him.

 

After the reading and the reflection comes the response.  What will surely be discovered is that there is nothing predictable about it.  As we begin with "Lectio Divina"  it is impossible to know how we are going to be responding to what God is revealing to us because there is no way to know in the beginning the direction the reading and the reflection will take us.  It may be that we are gripped by a deep sense of sorrow.  It may be that the reflection takes us to joy and a spirit of celebration.  Or, perhaps, our response will be guided by a sense that God is leading us into some new territory where we are called to let go of ourselves in a deeper way. 

 

Instead of speaking to God through the language of our normal prayer ritual, or going over the list of prayer concerns we normally present to Him, we are enabled by the Holy Spirit to respond according to the mood or the spirit He has created in us.  It does not matter if our response is repentance or praise, it is where we have been taken by the Spirit instead of going where we would choose to go.  As we practice "Lectio Divina"  we are more likely to hear ourselves responding according to the heart of God than echoing the prayers we often offer.