Last Sunday (October 18, 2015), we as MCCQC were not able to gather together physically due to the dangerous weather caused by Typhoon Lando, but with the help of today’s communications technology, we are able to connect mentally and spiritually together, through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading”) is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s Word. It does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but as the Living Word.
Traditionally, Lectio Divina has four separate steps: read; meditate; pray; contemplate. First a passage of Scripture is read, then its meaning is reflected upon. This is followed by prayer and contemplation on the Word of God.
The focus of Lectio Divina is not a theological analysis of biblical passages but viewing them with Christ as the key to their meaning. In Lectio Divina, we as practitioners “enter” and share the peace of Christ rather than “dissecting” it.
In this Lectio Divina, we will use Psalm 46 from the New International Version. Please follow along the following text, and allow for 10 minute pauses in between readings. Be mindful of your breathing as you read the text and as you pause for silence.
Lectio (Read):
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Mediataio (Meditate):
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Oratio (Pray):
Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Contemplatio (Contemplate):
The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
As we go into a moment of prayer, let us remember those who do not have any roof to shelter themselves from the strong wind and rain. Those who do not have anything to keep them warm, and those who are tirelessly working in the middle of this storm.
Join MCC Quezon City’s worship service every Sunday, 5:00PM. MCC is a church for all, including LGBT+ people. First timers and guests are much welcome. For instructions on how to get to our chapel, click here.