Another go at Lectio

Good morning all, Bore da pawb!

For Day 8 there is of course a new Psalm reading for the morning but just before that......

Today we have a second go with the practice of Lectio Divina to give you all the chance to get used to it, then tomorrow we’ll have a go at Visio Divina which is the same kind of thing but with a painting instead of a verse.

PREPARE- Still yourself, TV off, radio off and phone off (unless reading this on your phone of course). Close your eyes and focus on your breathing for 10 slow in and out breaths.

LECTIO (Read)- Read the few verses below, slowly and unhurriedly. Look for words which stand out but don’t force it.

MEDITATIO (Reflect)- Read it through a second time slowly and let yourself focus more intently on the words or phrases which jumped out the first time. What other thoughts or images are coming to you now that connect with these?

ORATIO (Respond) Read it through a third time slowly. Now is the time to respond. What action are the standout words and the connected ideas drawing you towards?

CONTEMPLATIO (Rest) Give yourself and God 5 or 10 minutes of unfocused silence, let your mind wander beginning at the verses you read and then follow where it goes. Do not push and do not attempt to guide, just follow.

EXODUS 3:11-14,

Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.” But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I am has sent me to you.’”

*****

MORNING

Wake, but do not move to begin with. Be aware of yourself, the air going in and out of your lungs, be aware of your senses and what they are telling you, feel the aches and pains of life that were dulled a bit by rest.

Give thanks, because all you feel means you are alive, the world is better for you being in it.

Take a moment to think of ONE positive thing you will try to do today.

Psalm 143:8 (Read through slowly 3 times)

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,

    for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go,

    for to you I lift up my soul.

BREAKFAST

As you make your breakfast, be mindful of each thing you do as you do it. Be fully present.

As you consume your breakfast offer thanks for the producers and distributers of our food, water and power.

LUNCH

Pause. Sit. Breathe. You are still here.

Follow the same routine of mindfulness and thanks as at breakfast.

DINNER/TEA

Same as for lunch

EVENING BEFORE SLEEP

Be aware of yourself, the air going in and out of your lungs, be aware of your senses and what they are telling you, feel the aches and pains of life that will be dulled a bit by rest.

Give thanks, because all you feel means you are alive and have lived, the world is better for you being in it.

Thanks be to God.

Amen