The wisdom of lectio divina (divine reading) invites us to enter into, and be inspired by, the narratives of Holy Scripture.

The liturgical readings for August present many opportunities for prayer immersed in lectio divina. To begin with, the readings for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time implore us to “think of what is above” (Col 3:2).  The following weekend, Luke offers another occasion for meditation in the sacred words, “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much” (Lk 12:48).

August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, provides a myriad of readings for prayer and contemplation.  The blessed lyrical verses of the Magnificat swell with praise to God Almighty (Lk 1:46-55).  Attention to individual lines or phrases of the canticle is a beautiful way to be aware of God’s promptings.  Consider also reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm for Assumption: “They enter the palace of the king” (Ps 45:16). 

The readings for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time continue to supply a source for meditation.  Consider St. Paul’s exhortation to the Hebrews stressing that discipline “brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb 12:11).  When we consider that the words “disciple” and “discipline” are each rooted in the same Latin word, disciplina, we better hear Paul’s words as an invitation not simply to the early Church, but to us.  In the quiet of our hearts, we, as disciples, are graced to be instructed and shaped by God’s Word.  This theme of instruction follows the next weekend as the Old Testament prophet, Sirach, teaches us to seek God as humble followers: “Conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved” (Sir 3:17). 

These are merely a few suggestions for reading meditatively.  Prayer guides the pray-er to the words of sacred Scripture that God chooses to reveal.  As we slowly read Scripture and allow our outer egos to fall away, we appreciate the ever-present God within us, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  The method of meditating on a few words or phrases—lectio divina—rather than trying to intellectualize a full passage of Scripture, provides the prayerful quietness and stillness encouraged to illuminate God in the center of our beings. 

In the silence, God proclaims, “Be still and confess that I am God” (Ps 46:11).

Note: Scriptural references are quoted from The New American Bible.