I find Lectio Divina is a contemplative refuge for me, yet also a way for reaching back into the world. A way to find answers.
The practice originated with the Benedictine Order of the Roman Catholic Church. I read a pamphlet about Lectio Divina several years ago. The practice was initially formed as a solo form of contemplative prayer.
Then last year, I began to attend Lectio Divina in a small Lenten group setting at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Port Townsend, Washington.
I discovered that Lectio (Divine Reading) is now also sometimes practiced for spiritual discernment in combination with creative dance, poems, photographs and making art; even with films.
Lectio Divina, encompassing many forms of expression, is one way to “practice the presence” either solo or in a group setting.
Lectio Divina is a reading of a sacred text for meditation, prayer and discernment. This process can be done alone or within a group context. One evening, May 1, 2013, my poem In The Night Of My Heart was included for the Lectio Divina practice at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
In The Night Of My Heart
by Sharon Lia Robinson
In the night of my heart
I hold a place of healing
A sacred place of sojourn
A peaceful setting for pilgrimage
In the midnight moon of my heart
I sense a deeper truth
Yearning growing fruitful
Beyond misunderstanding
I hold this special place
Hallowed receptive knowing.
Beautiful and uplifting!