Divine Reading – Free Lesson Plan on Lectio Divina for 2024

Charades

Play Charades using Gospel stories as the choices. This is a fun way to get everyone thinking about and engaging with the Bible. See more information about Charades and similar games.

Follow Up with Questions:

• Do you know some of the Gospel stories so well that your mind wanders when they are read? Why do you think this happens?
• Do you think God is speaking to you through Scripture, or does it feel more like watching a movie or reading a book?

As Catholics, we believe that God uses Scripture to speak to us. That is why the first part of Mass, called the Liturgy of the Word, is dedicated to reading and interpreting Scripture.

We also know that Jesus paid a lot of attention to the Old Testament, which was the Jewish scripture of His time. He frequently quoted and referred to it.

Read the Gospel:

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 (Jesus Reads from the Prophet Isaiah) – the Gospel Reading for the 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C

Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.

He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind
to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.

Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. He said to them, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

This reading starts with the first few lines of the Gospel of Luke. St. Luke explains that he has carefully compiled an account of the life of Jesus Christ to strengthen our faith. We are meant to study the Gospel to grow in understanding.

Next, we see Jesus in his hometown synagogue, similar to His parish. Jesus was a faithful Jew who went to “church” every Sabbath. He would have heard readings from Scripture and thought about their meaning.

However, Jesus isn’t just looking at scripture historically. He doesn’t only discuss what Isaiah’s passage meant to people at the time it was written. Instead, He considers how it applies to His own life.

In this gospel, Jesus shows us how to read scripture. The Bible is not just old stories. Through scripture, God speaks to us now, giving us instructions for today.

There is a method of reading scripture called Lectio Divina, or Divine Reading. This framework helps us read scripture as a form of prayer, listening for God’s voice in the words. Here are the basic steps:

1. Put Yourself in God’s Presence: Slow down your breathing and quiet your thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to join you. Simply saying, “Come Holy Spirit,” is a good start.
2. Read the Scripture Passage: Read for the whole story. Then read it again, even more slowly. See if a particular word or phrase stands out. If not, read it again even more slowly. When something catches your attention, stop.
3. Reflect on the Word or Phrase: Let it roll around in your mind. Maybe you know why you were drawn to it, maybe not. If you get distracted, decide if the distraction is related to the reading. If so, follow it. If not, return to the word or phrase.
4. Listen to God: Consider if the word or phrase is significant to your life right now. What emotions are stirred up? Is something here making you feel close to God, or distant?
5. Contemplate God’s Call: Think about what God might be calling you to do. Maybe you are called to make a change, or to a deeper sense of gratitude or joy. Make a commitment to take action based on what you are hearing.
6. Close with a Prayer of Thankfulness: Thank God for this time spent together.

If time permits, pray with scripture immediately using a printed guide. Have some Gospel passages printed out. Everyone can read the same passage, or you can provide a variety and let them choose. Here are some suggestions:

• The Healing of Bartimaeus, the Blind Beggar
• You Are the Light of the World
• The Judgment of the Nations
• The Good Samaritan
• The Prodigal Son / Forgiving Father

This method helps us engage deeply with the Bible and hear God’s voice in our daily lives.

Sharing in small groups is a valuable way to deepen our understanding of scripture and grow in faith together. In a small group, everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and listen to others. This allows us to see different perspectives and learn from each other. As you discuss these questions, feel free to speak openly and honestly. Remember that we are here to support and encourage one another in our faith journey.

• What stood out to you? When you read the passage, was there a word or phrase that caught your attention? Why do you think it stood out to you?
• How does this passage relate to your life? Can you see any connections between the scripture and your current life situation? How might God be speaking to you through this passage?
• Have you ever felt distant from God during prayer? If so, what do you think caused that feeling? How did you work through it?
• What is God calling you to? After reflecting on the passage, do you feel called to make any changes in your life? What steps can you take to follow this calling?
• How do you keep focused during prayer? What helps you stay focused when you pray with scripture? Do you have any tips or techniques that work for you?
• How can we support each other in prayer? As a group, how can we help one another grow in our prayer life and our relationship with God?
• What role does scripture play in your daily life? Do you regularly read and reflect on scripture outside of Mass? How can you incorporate Divine Reading more into your routine?
• Why is it important to listen for God’s voice in scripture? How does hearing God’s voice through the Bible differ from just reading it as a story? How has this shaped your faith?

These questions are meant to guide your discussion and help you reflect on how Divine Reading can be a meaningful part of your spiritual life. Share openly and support one another as you explore these questions together.

This week, make it a priority to pray with scripture using the practice of Lectio Divina. Set aside at least 15 minutes where you won’t be interrupted—find a quiet place where you can focus and be still. During this time, slow down, and allow yourself to engage deeply with God’s word.

You can choose a scripture passage that resonates with you, something you’ve been curious about or drawn to. If you’re not sure where to start, consider using one of the daily Mass readings.

As you read, remember the steps of Lectio Divina: read the passage slowly, reflect on a word or phrase that stands out, pray to God about what you’ve read, and then sit quietly in His presence, listening for His voice.

Make this a time of personal connection with God. Let His word guide you, comfort you, and inspire you. After your prayer, take a moment to reflect on the experience—what you felt, what you heard, and how God might be speaking to you through the scripture. Consider making this practice a regular part of your prayer life, allowing God’s word to shape your heart and mind.

Conclude your prayer time by offering any petitions or intentions that are on your heart. After reflecting on the scripture passage, take a moment to speak to God about your needs, the needs of others, and any challenges or blessings in your life. Lift up these prayers with trust in God’s care and love for you.

Then, before ending your prayer, ask God our Father to send the Holy Spirit to enlighten you through the words of Scripture. The Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher, opening our hearts and minds to understand and apply God’s word in our lives. Praying for the Holy Spirit’s presence invites God to speak to you more deeply through the scriptures, helping you to grow in faith and wisdom.

You can use this special prayer to ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you continue to engage with the Bible. This prayer is a way to welcome God’s inspiration and ensure that your time with Scripture is fruitful and meaningful. For the full Prayer Before Reading the Bible, you can find it here.

Themes for Divine Reading Lesson Plan on Lectio Divina

• Personal Prayer Time: Encourage youth to spend quiet time with God through Divine Reading. Help them develop a habit of daily prayer. Teach them to listen for God’s voice in their lives.
• Bible Reflection: Focus on reading and thinking about Bible passages. Help youth understand that the Bible is more than just stories. Show them how God’s word applies to their lives today.
• Listening to God: Emphasize the importance of listening in prayer. Help youth understand that prayer is not just talking to God. Involve being quiet and hearing what God has to say.
• Finding God’s Will: Guide youth in seeking God’s direction for their lives in Divine Reading. Encourage them to ask God for guidance in their decisions. Help them see how God is leading them.
• Strengthening Faith: Help youth grow in their faith. Show them how to trust God more deeply. Encourage them to rely on God’s promises.
• Experiencing God’s Love: Emphasize feeling God’s love through prayer. Help youth understand that God loves them personally. Encourage them to rest in that love.
• Scripture in Daily Life: Connect Bible teachings to everyday situations. Show youth how to apply God’s word in their daily actions. Encourage them to live out their faith.
• Understanding God’s Word: Help youth grasp the meaning of Bible passages they use for Divine Reading. Encourage them to ask questions and seek answers. Guide them in seeing the relevance of scripture.
• Building a Relationship with God: Focus on deepening the personal connection with God. Help youth see prayer as a conversation with a loving Father. Encourage a closer walk with God.
• Developing Spiritual Discipline: Teach youth the importance of regular spiritual practices such as Divine Reading. Encourage consistency in prayer and Bible reading. Help them build habits that strengthen their faith.

Background Material for Divine Reading Lesson Plan on Lectio Divina

Divine Reading, also known as Lectio Divina, is a traditional Catholic practice that helps us connect with God through scripture. This method of prayer encourages us to read the Bible not just as a text, but as a living conversation with God. It fits into Catholic teaching by helping us grow in faith, understand God’s word, and apply it to our lives.

Lectio Divina has deep roots in Catholic tradition. The practice dates back to the early Church Fathers and has been encouraged by many saints and popes throughout history. St. Benedict, in his Rule, emphasized the importance of reading and meditating on scripture. He saw it as a way to listen to God and seek His will.

The process of Divine Reading involves four steps: reading (lectio), meditation (meditatio), prayer (oratio), and contemplation (contemplatio). Each step helps us engage with the Bible in a deeper way.

1. Reading (Lectio): We start by reading a passage of scripture slowly and carefully. We pay attention to the words and phrases that stand out to us.
2. Meditation (Meditatio): In this step, we think about the passage. We reflect on its meaning and how it relates to our lives. We ask ourselves what God might be saying to us through these words.
3. Prayer (Oratio): Next, we respond to God in prayer. We talk to Him about what we have read and ask for His guidance. We share our thoughts and feelings with Him.
4. Contemplation (Contemplatio): Finally, we rest in God’s presence. We listen for His voice and allow ourselves to be filled with His peace.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church encourages the practice of Lectio Divina. It states: “Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.” (CCC 2708).

Divine Reading helps us see the Bible as more than just stories. It teaches us to see scripture as a living word that speaks to us today. This aligns with the Catholic understanding that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is relevant for all generations.

St. Jerome, an early Church Father, said, “Ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” By practicing Lectio Divina, we come to know Jesus better. We learn about His life and teachings and how we can follow Him more closely.

Pope Benedict XVI also emphasized the importance of Divine Reading. He said, “I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina. The diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart.”

Divine Reading is a powerful tool for spiritual growth. It helps us build a personal relationship with God and strengthens our faith. By spending time in prayerful reading, we open ourselves to God’s guidance and love. This practice can transform our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to Him.

In conclusion, Divine Reading fits into Catholic teaching by encouraging a deeper engagement with scripture. It helps us hear God’s voice and respond in prayer. This ancient practice is a valuable way to grow in our faith and understand God’s word. Through Lectio Divina, we can experience the Bible as a living, breathing conversation with God.

Music Suggestions for Divine Reading Lesson Plan on Lectio Divina

• In the Room by Matt Maher
• Your Word by Hillsong Worship
• Greater by Chris Tomlin

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more free lesson plans and reflections, visit our website. Teachers, youth ministers, and catechists can find additional Divine Reading Lesson Plans on Lectio Divina to help guide youth in prayer and reflection. Explore our resources to deepen your group’s faith and understanding. Visit Lesson Plans and Reflections to find more valuable materials.