Divine Reading

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 lists to use for youth ministry.

• 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

Let’s take a closer look at this Gospel and what it teaches us about how we can pray with Scripture. At the beginning, Luke tells us why he wrote his Gospel. He wanted us to know the story of Jesus in a way that would make our faith stronger. He worked carefully, gathering what the eyewitnesses had seen and heard. That means the Bible is not just a collection of random stories. It is something written for us so that we can believe and understand more deeply. When we open the Bible, we are stepping into something real and life-changing.

Then we see Jesus in His own synagogue, the place where He worshiped each week. Just like we go to Mass on Sunday, Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath. He would have listened to the readings, prayed with the people, and thought about how God’s word applied to His life. But here something very special happens. Jesus reads from Isaiah and then tells everyone, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” He is not just telling them what Isaiah meant long ago. He is saying that God’s word is happening right now, in Him, and for them.

That is what Lectio Divina is all about. We don’t read the Bible like a history textbook or a novel. We read it as God speaking to us today. Each time we pray with Scripture, God can open our hearts in new ways. He might comfort us when we are sad, guide us when we are confused, or challenge us when we need to grow. The Bible is living and active, and Lectio Divina is a way of listening carefully to what God is saying.

So how do we do this? It begins with quieting ourselves. Life is busy. There are phones buzzing, schoolwork, sports, and so many distractions. Before we can hear God, we need to be still. That’s why the first step is putting ourselves in God’s presence. You might take a few slow breaths, close your eyes, and pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.” Even a short prayer like that invites God into your time and helps you focus.

Next comes the reading itself. This is called Lectio, which simply means “reading.” You take the Scripture passage and read it slowly. Then you read it again, even slower. Don’t rush. The point is not to cover a lot of ground, but to let the words sink in. You might notice that one word or phrase seems to stand out. Maybe it repeats in your mind, or it feels like it is speaking directly to you. Pay attention to that. God often uses simple words to grab our hearts.

After that comes Meditatio, or reflection. You take that word or phrase and hold it in your mind. Let it echo. Ask yourself why it stood out. Sometimes you’ll know right away, and other times you won’t. Either way, that’s okay. Just stay with it. If your mind wanders, don’t get discouraged. Ask yourself if the distraction has something to do with the passage. If it does, maybe God is leading you that way. If not, gently return to the word. This step is like chewing food slowly—you want to get all the flavor out of it.

Then we move into Oratio, or prayer. Here you talk with God about what you’ve noticed. Maybe the word made you feel peaceful, or maybe it stirred up worry or sadness. Share that with God. Ask Him what it means. Prayer is a conversation, so listen as much as you speak. Sometimes God places a thought or feeling in your heart that helps you understand what He wants to say.

The next step is Contemplatio, or contemplation. This is when you ask, “What is God calling me to do?” It could be something simple, like being more thankful, or something bigger, like forgiving someone or showing kindness to someone who is difficult. God’s word is not just for thinking—it is for living. When you finish, try to make a small commitment to act on what you have heard.

Finally, we close with prayer. Thank God for the time you spent with Him. You might pray the Our Father, the Hail Mary, or simply say, “Thank you, Lord.” Making the sign of the cross is a simple way to end.

If we are in a group, we might also share what word or phrase stood out to us. You will be amazed at how different things touch different people. One person might be struck by a word of hope, while another notices a word of challenge. That is part of the beauty of Lectio Divina. God speaks to each of us in ways we need to hear.

Remember, this takes practice. At first it might feel awkward or slow. That’s normal. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes. Over time, Lectio Divina can help you hear God’s voice more clearly, strengthen your prayer life, and bring Scripture alive in your heart. God is waiting to meet you in His word. All you have to do is listen.

Learn more about Lectio Divina here. If time permits, pray with scripture immediately using this 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?

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.

Let us take a moment to quiet ourselves and remember that God is with us. Close your eyes if you want, take a deep breath, and place yourself in His presence.

Lord, we thank You for speaking to us through Your word today. You remind us that the Bible is alive, and that You are always ready to guide us when we listen. We are grateful for this time to pause, reflect, and pray together as Your children.

Jesus, help us to carry what we have heard into our daily lives. Show us how to live with kindness, patience, and courage. Give us the strength to follow where You are leading us, even when it feels difficult.

Holy Spirit, stay close to us. Keep our hearts open and our minds alert, so that we notice Your voice in the middle of our busy days. May we always find joy and peace in Your presence.

Let us end by praying the words Jesus gave us:
Our Father, who art in heaven…

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