Lectio Divina - A way of Praying

Here is what a Carmelite site says about Lectio Divina:
"Lectio Divina", a Latin term, means "divine reading" and describes a way of reading the Scriptures whereby we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to what God wants to say to us. In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk called Guigo, described the stages which he saw as essential to the practice of Lectio Divina. There are various ways of practicing Lectio Divina either individually or in groups but Guigo's description remains fundamental.

He said that the first stage is lectio (reading) where we read the Word of God, slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us. Any passage of Scripture can be used for this way of prayer but the passage should not be too long.

The second stage is meditatio (reflection) where we think about the text we have chosen and ruminate upon it so that we take from it what God wants to give us.

The third stage is oratio (response) where we leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by our reflection on the Word of God.

The final stage of Lectio Divina is contemplatio (rest) where we let go not only of our own ideas, plans and meditations but also of our holy words and thoughts. We simply rest in the Word of God. We listen at the deepest level of our being to God who speaks within us with a still small voice. As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within. Obviously this transformation will have a profound effect on the way we actually live and the way we live is the test of the authenticity of our prayer. We must take what we read in the Word of God into our daily lives.
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Today's Bible reading (from the Carmelite Calendar)is Matthew 14, 22-36, about the apostles in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. The winds turn rough and the boat is tossed about. The apostles,some of them fishermen, become fearful; perhaps the boat is filling with water. The fishermen among them know how boats can capsize, how even the best swimmers have difficulties battling rough waves. Jesus, who had been alone in a mountain to pray, walks on the Sea of Galilee toward the boat. The apostles see the figure on the water and become afraid. Christ tells them, "It is I, do not be afraid." They do not believe Him immediately, and Peter steps forward and challenges Him, saying if it's You, then let me walk on water too. Jesus calls him, "Come," and Peter walks on water, but the wild waves frighten him and he starts to sink. He calls out to Jesus, "Save me," and Jesus holds out His hand to save him. Now this is interesting, because Jesus does scold him for doubting Him. When they are in the boat, the winds cease.

What I got out of this reading (you have to read the selection many times, and slowly, listening "with your heart") is that it is easy to lose your composure, to be afraid when the winds are turbulent and you think your boat will sink, but that Jesus is always with you, and that you are to trust Him 100%. "It is I, do not be afraid."