Praying the Bible: An Introduction to Lectio Divina

By Mariano Magrassi and Mariano Magrassi OSB

Book Overview

The Second Vatican Council stated: all . . . should immerse themselves in the Scriptures by constant spiritual reading and diligent study. . . ." The Church is still far from adequately carrying out those words, but recent years have seen a revival of interest in the Bible. During that revival, both the knowledge and the practice of lectio divina have become more widespread. In Praying the Bible Mariano Magrassi reintroduces us to this practice of prayerful reading of the word of God which is our heritage.

With his vast knowledge of the Fathers and medieval monastic writers, Archbishop Magrassi synthesizes the unique and extraordinary experience of lectio divina. What is it? What are its key ideas? What are the necessary personal dispositions? What are the steps by which prayed reading is transformed into genuine contemplation? In Praying the Bible Magrassi answers these questions, providing a discussion that contains a healthy challenge and an invitation to grow.

Chapters are "Liturgical Proclamation and Lectio Sacra," "Lectio Divina: Meaning of the Term," "Lectio Divina: Key Ideas," "Lectio Divina: Concrete Dispositions," "Lectio Divina: Four Acts," and "The Ancient 'Conference' and the Modern Review of Life."

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814624464
• ISBN13: 9780814624463
• Release Date: July 1998
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Be inspired to read God's Inspired Word

This is a really excellent book introducing Lectio Divina, and an enjoyable read. The author make an excellent case for praying the bible -- the ancient art of lectio divina. I gave the book a four star rating because it does not have as many of the "helps" other books on the topic have. However it will get you started with lectio divina, and should help you approach the discipline with the right attitude.The author focuses a lot on inspiration. The same Spirit that inspired the Biblical writers, also inspires the text as we read it, and continues to inspire it as He applies it to our lives. Magrassi helps you expect God to work in you, as you contemplatively read and pray the scriptures.This book has a wealth of quotes from the contemplative tradition spanning the history of the Church. I'd buy the book for the quotes, alone! There are also good footnotes for all the citations. Sometimes it is as if the saints from the past were writing the book; Magrassi weaves the quotes so well into his message. Mariano Magrassi is a Catholic Archbishop, but this book is theologically neutral. As a Protestant, I found the book easy to receive. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.To summarize from the book, quoting Smaragdus:"Reading enables us to learn what we do not know, meditation enables us to retain what we have learned, and prayer enables us to live what we have retained. Reading Sacred Scripture confers on us two gifts: it makes the soul's understanding keener, and after snatching us from the world's vanities, it leads us to the love of God" (p. 20)