Prayerful Listening

Lectio divina is a prayerful reading of scripture, a way of spending time with the Word of God. Readings are slow and deliberate, allowing the Word to resonate within one’s heart and mind. The process itself has a rhythm that allows individuals time and space to find spiritual meaning beyond the literal text.

Lectio divina differs from traditional Bible study, spiritual reading or prayer because it requires a more concentrated interplay between listening, reflection and application of a specific passage.
When done on an individual basis, the process is organic. An individual follows the ebb and flow of their conversation with God, traversing through spoken word, gentle repetition, reflective prayer and rest. Throughout the process, the individual may feel challenged as God’s word touches one deeply.

When done as a group, the process becomes more structured into phases:

• During the first reading, the passage may be read aloud twice while each person gently listens for the word or phrase that speaks to them and touches their heart. After a period of silence, all share the word or phrase that has touched his or her heart.

• During the second reading (of the same scripture), an individual meditates on how the chosen word(s) touch their life. After personal reflection, individuals share how they have heard or perceived God reaching out to them.

• The third reading is followed by prayer about how the individual is being called to act in their daily life. The individual may then spend time in contemplation with God before praying for the person next to them.

Lectio divina seeks to teach more than the skill of listening. It teaches about the person within and allows individuals to unite with God. By making time in daily life for lectio divina, individuals can connect with their inner being, nurture a bond with God and create a strong relationship with Christ, ultimately resulting in a sense of clarity and understanding for their place in the world.

Ecumenical dialogue at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Is it possible to commit to more than one faith tradition? This October, nearly 40 people gathered at Holy wisdom Monastery to explore a cross-cultural phenomenon – multiple religious belonging.

Imagine a religious supermarket. Spiritual traditions of all shapes and sizes line the shelves. Will you choose just one to meet your spiritual needs? Or will you pick and choose among many to find nourishment?

Listen to Catherine Cornille, associate professor of comparative theology at Boston College, explore these questions and describe the different paths that can lead to spiritual wholeness.



Click here to download this presentation in iTunes.

Hospitality for all

Hospitality is rooted in the belief that Christ is present in the other. Benedict says Christ is especially present in the abbot or prioress, the guest and the sick. Hospitality at Holy Wisdom Monastery is manifest in inviting guests to prayer and the Eucharist and having Liturgy of the Hours prayer books that are easy for a newcomer to follow. We also practice hospitality by inviting guests to meals and to retreats. Our practice of inviting co-workers, volunteers, oblates, Sunday Assembly, Community of Benedict and others to participate with us in our work and prayer comes out of Benedictine hospitality.