Lectio Divina (‘Divine Reading’ or Praying with Scripture) is held in the Pastoral Centre on Wednesdays at 7.15pm. All are welcome.

The evening starts with a prayer, after which the Gospel reading for the following Sunday is read aloud. A period of silence follows. Members of the group might then repeat a word or phrase that strikes them.

The Scripture passage is read aloud again, after which some time is given to reflecting on the text. ...What does the text say to me? Which of the characters am I? What does it remind me of? Where is this happening today?... Participants are invited to share, if they wish, on the passage. This is done in a spirit of listening and without comment.

After a third reading aloud of the text, members could say how the passage might help them to pray in the coming week. The focus is on finding Good News in the text to inspire our lives. The prayer can take the form of thanksgiving, repentance or petition.

The leader draws the meeting to a close with a final prayer and a reminder of the need to journey further with the Gospel text until we celebrate it together in the Sunday Eucharist.

Loving God,

As we gather in your presence,

Help us to accept your Word with reverence.

Send your Spirit to be with us

So that in our meditation on your Word,

We may see the Bible text, not just as

An abstract message,

Or a story about the past to be remembered with nostalgia,

Or an impossible utopia that can only be dreamed of,

But as Good News being fulfilled even as we are speaking

Within the reality of our daily lives.

In our pains and joys

May we see the glorious story of your grace

guiding us with love.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.