When it comes to spiritual growth, most people are aware of the importance of the Bible. After all, "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NRS)

The difficulty we face is similar to the man in the story above, told by Anthony deMello. That is, many of us think if we just "knew" more about the Bible (more facts and figures, more doctrine and theology, a better understanding of history and grammar) or at least knew the right question to ask, we would have the secret key to unlock the door to spiritual growth.

But this misses the point, for Scripture is not something we must master in order gain its meaning; it is given to master, question, and train its readers! That's not to say the Bible can't be read to gain insight into history, theology, or church practice. Rather, its primary purpose is to wake us up, to make us more aware of the loving presence and holy otherness of God.

For centuries the most practiced spiritual discipline and most trusted tool in doing this was Lectio Divina. Literally, these two words mean "sacred reading." It's a slow, contemplative way of reading which enables the Bible to become a means of union with God — a means by which its readers are made aware.

Of course to listen, to really hear, means we must become silent. The problem is we live in a noisy world and cannot hear quiet sounds very well. Lectio Divina requires that we quiet down in order to become aware of God's still, small voice.

This misses the point!

Here are a couple of examples of using Lectio Divina personally and also in a small group setting.

Individual Lectio:

• Read a passage or short paragraph from Scripture (two to three times—at a normal rate, slowly, and preferably from another translation).
• Choose a word or phrase or symbol from your reading that 'connects' with you. Sit in silence for 5-10 minutes, turning this word or phrase or image over in your mind. The image of the camel chewing its cud has been a symbol of the believer pondering the word of God. We quietly chew on this word, repeating it, allowing it to interact with our thoughts, hopes, memories, and desires.
• Speak to the Lord, thanking him for his Word and/or asking for his guidance to live out its message.