Lectio Divina and Me

I have prayed using lectio divina on and off over the years. I have written about it on the blog before, but, not recently.  First, let me give you my take on what lectio divina is then you can do an internet search and find out what it really is.  My understanding and use of lectio divina is a prayer form involving writing, usually in the form of what I would call free write.  Free write is writing down the first thing that comes to mind and not stopping to compose or edit (sort of like I blog, she says tongue in cheek).  The free write is in response to scripture.  The scripture can be a verse or something longer.

Recently my prayer group read a book on lectio that was basing this prayer form on praying like Mary.  I don't recall the precise title of the book, but it was a recently released book so I am sure if you look for praying like Mary you could find it.  I didn't fall whole heartedly in love with the book which is one reason I am being a little allusive about the title and author.  In my estimation the book needed a bit more editing before it was published. In fact, when we started the book, I was sure that I was not going to start lectio divina again. I didn't think the author was very straight forward in explaining lectio and how to do it.

But, God was coaxing me back to this prayer form, I am sure.  Because I was tempted to try it and try it again.  Then I discussed it with my spiritual director and she encouraged me to try it for a couple of weeks or months.  And here I am still doing lectio divina more than 6 months later.  The part that intrigued me in the praying like Mary book was the author's suggestion to respond to the daily Mass readings, to find a line that God was speaking to me within the readings of the liturgy for the day.

At first finding that part that was speaking to me was tough.  When I couldn't find much, usually the Psalm had something I could respond to.  But, after many months, I can say that lectio divina has become more than an exercise or assignment.  God really does speak to me and my day as I write.  I carry that with me through my day.  It goes inside me.

I had also fretted about how much time doing lectio divina daily would take.  It seemed like at first it did take time. Reading through the Mass readings over and over to find what spoke to me took the longest time at first.  But, not so much any more.  God talks to my day.  By responding this way, I remember and talk to God throughout the day.

Is lectio divina for everyone?  I very much doubt it.  I also think it is possible to favor one prayer form for a while and switch to a different form of preferred prayer or perhaps to switch day to day.  I find that I am a creature of habit.  I like having a plan and something I usually do, especially with prayer.  Then I add things, like having a snack or a treat.  I talk to God throughout my day, but I need practices of prayer to keep that happening.  For me, at this point in my life, lectio divina is perfect.