Lectio Divina & The Welcoming Practice

Lectio Divina

Throughout Christian history Lectio Divina – literally, divine reading – has been the spiritual exercise of choice and it is strongly recommended as a vital support to a Centering Prayer practice. Although a distinct form of prayer, it is deeply connected with Centering Prayer since the highest expression of both is the experience of “resting in God”.

Thomas Keating said, ‘Lectio Divina … is a dynamic process that moves you from an awkward acquaintanceship with God to ever deepening levels of friendship, commitment and experience … and beyond experience.’ 

The practice entails a prayerful reading of sacred scripture, a process distinct from Bible study. We are listening with the ear of the heart to the word of God in this book, which we believe to be divinely inspired. 

The process moves through four “moments” or movements, which may occur in any order:

Read a short passage; one verse may be enough. What phrase, sentence or even single word stands out? Repeat the phrase, sentence or word, out loud if you are alone, to allow the sounds of the words to penetrate you and settle deeply into your heart.

Reflect on the words and allow them to resound in your heart; be attentive to what speaks to you.

Respond spontaneously as you continue to listen; a prayer of praise, thanksgiving or petition may arise. Offer that prayer and then return to repeating the sentence, phrase or word in your heart.

Rest in God. Simply be with God’s presence as you open yourself to a deeper hearing.

    The Welcoming Prayer Practice

    This practice is a means of focusing the benefits of Centering Prayer into those awkward moments in life when tensions and emotions are running high. These events can become a tool for actively undermining our knee-jerk emotional responses to particular situations. These emotional programmes are addressed where they are stored – in the body.

    The essence of the practice is that when we feel we are about to be overwhelmed by our reaction to an event or situation we sink into and focus on that feeling as we experience it physically; then we welcome that reaction (not the cause); we make the act of will to let go of our desire to change the situation using the Welcoming Prayer Practice.

    Over time we can learn to respond, rather than react, to events; the practice empowers us to take appropriate action as freely and as lovingly as possible in any situation that presents itself in our lives.

    The Welcome Prayer

    Welcome, welcome, welcome.

    I welcome everything that comes to me in this moment,
    because I know it is for my healing.

    I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions.

    I let go of my desire for security.

    I let go of my desire for approval.

    I let go of my desire for control.

    I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person, or myself.

    I open to the love and presence of God and the healing action and grace within.