Divine Reading Lesson Plan on Lectio Divina

Subscribe to remove ads. * As an Amazon affiliate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

Opening Game

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.

Scripture Reading

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

Discussion

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.

For more detailed explanation of the steps below, see the article on Lectio Divina. There is a printable handout there which you should give to them to follow along.

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:

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

Small Group Reflection Questions

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.

Challenge

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.

Prayer

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.

More Resources

Themes

Background Material

Music Suggestions

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

For more resources and information, see https://young-catholics.com/13509/divine-reading-lesson-plan-lectio-divina/