Lectio Divina at St. Francis

At St. Francis, we practice a form of Lectio Divina suited for small groups. Every Wednesday at 6:30 pm (except the first Wednesday of the month, which is Community Night), we incorporate lectio into our midweek service.

The service, conducted by one of the pastors, opens with lectio, followed by general prayers of the people and a very simple Eucharist. You are very welcome!

Leader's preparation:

Select a scripture passage. This is usually the Gospel reading for the following Sunday, but another passage appropriate to the day may be chosen. The passage may be photocopied for each participant, or the passage may be read from the lectionary.

Chairs are arranged in a semicircle at the front of the church near the Jesus statue.

Begin with a short prayer inviting the Holy Spirit.

Read the passage aloud once. After a pause, read it aloud a second time, listening for a striking word or phrase. Each person then speaks the word or phrase that struck them.

Read the passage a third time, listening for a sensory impression. Each person then relates the sensory impression that came to them.

Read the passage a fourth time, during which each person listens for God's call to them in the passage. Following the reading, one person speaks the call they heard, and the person on their right prays for that call. Then another person speaks their call, and the person on their right prays for them, etc.

That's the end of Lectio. The service closes with the prayers of the people. There follows a simple Eucharist and the passing of the peace.

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Last updated 1 Jul 03 by MP -- Email mark94110 at yahoo dot com