How to use this journal

Intro to lectio Divina

Preparation: Silencio
This is a simple encouragement to prepare your soul (whole person) before entering the four elements of lectio. Take up to 60+ seconds to quiet your mind and heart and prayerfully prepare yourself as your open the scriptures.

The word is very near you;

it is in your mouth and in your heart,

so that you can do it.

Deuteronomy 30:14

Lectio Divina includes 4 elements:

1) lectio

The first element is simply reading the text. Do so slowly and prayerfully. Read the same text at least 3 times. Notice words, phrases, or verses that stand out to you or grab your attention.

2) meditatio

The second element invites you to reflect on the words, phrases or verses that stood out to you. Write them down and let them sink into your heart, ask yourself; What is the Lord saying to me through these words?

3) oratio

The third element moves you to a prayerful response. Take the words, phrases, or verses to God in prayer. Speak to God about what is stirring in your heart, give thanks, and write out your prayer.

4) contemplatio

The fourth element is where we rest in God. This may not come naturally, and may require patience and practice. Be still for a moment, allow God to love you. As we rest, we move from conversation with God to communion with God.

If you’re having trouble understanding the scripture for the day, read some verses before and/or after to help provide some context.

The Daily Practice

Here is an example for daily use

Monday	\|	Old Testament
Tuesday	\|	New Testament
Wednesday	\|	Psalms
Thursday	\|	Gospel Reading
Friday	\|	Wisdom
Saturday	\|	Examen Prayer
Sunday	\|	Journal Page \| Notes

Weekly Examen | The Examen Prayer

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (16th century) cared deeply for the formation and health of one’s spiritual life and journey. Ignatius encouraged people to talk with Jesus and to foster a relationship of honesty, vulnerability, and reflection. Ignatius grafted what is called The Examen Prayer, which is like a magnifying glass allowing you to see yourself and the activity of God more clearly as you look back over your week.

There are 5 steps in the Examen Prayer.

1) Become aware of the presence of God and His love for you.

2) Look at your week with thanksgiving.

As you think about your week, consider the reasons to thank God.
What happened this week that stirs up gratitude?

3) What were the good things that happened this week?

Where in your week did you experience happiness, joy, comfort, peace?

4) What were the challenging things that happened this week?

Where in your week did you experience sadness, frustration, failure or fracture?
What do you need to confess, own, or seek to repair?

5) Next week what do you hope for?

Write out a prayer for this new week.

Incarnatio

Every month you’re invited to consider how action completes the prayer. This element lets you reflect on what you’ve been learning and how you can move that into action.

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