St. Joseph Guide to Lectio Divina

St. Joseph Guide to Lectio Divina 978-0-89942-677-8

St. Joseph Guide to Lectio Divina by prolific author and international speaker Karl A. Schultz invites the reader to join with Blessed Mary and St. Joseph, using the ancient prayer method of Lectio Divina to grow in age, grace, and wisdom. By following the suggestions in this small volume from Catholic Book Publishing, we can maximize our receptivity to God's plan for our lives, and we can see why Pope Benedict XVI, generously quoted by Schultz, has put such an emphasis on Lectio as a spiritual instrument for our times.

Lectio Divina, a traditional Catholic practice of prayerful Scripture reading, offers profound spiritual benefits by fostering a deep, personal encounter with God. This method, structured in four steps--reading (lectio), meditation (meditatio), prayer (oratio), and contemplation (contemplatio)--invites practitioners to engage with the Word of God in a transformative way.

One key benefit is spiritual intimacy. By slowly reading a passage, such as Psalm 23, and meditating on phrases like "The Lord is my shepherd," individuals hear God's voice speaking directly to their hearts. This intimate dialogue deepens their relationship with Christ, as encouraged by St. Jerome's teaching that "ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."

Lectio Divina also cultivates inner peace. In a world of constant noise, the practice creates a sacred space for silence and reflection. Contemplation, the final step, allows one to rest in God's presence, as seen when reflecting on John 15:5 ("I am the vine, you are the branches"), fostering trust and surrender.

Additionally, it promotes spiritual growth. Meditation on Scripture, such as the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), challenges individuals to align their lives with Gospel values, encouraging virtues like humility and compassion. Over time, Lectio Divina shapes one's character, making it a powerful tool for holiness, as it opens the heart to God's transformative grace.

Among the Features of this Book:

• Size 4-3/8" x 6-3/4"
• 192 Pages
• Durably sewn binding
• High-quality paper
• Conveniently sized to accommodate nightstand or purse
• Imprimatur
• Nihil Obstat

Visit our website www.catholicbookpublishing.com for more Catholic resources to strengthen your faith.

Chapter Titles Include:

• Introduction
• Reading the Bible Prayerfully and Holistically
• On the Run with the Word of God
• Word ad Sacrament
• The Lectio Divian Dialogue
• The Gender Dimension of Lectio Divina
• Receiving the Word with Mary
• Responding to the Word with St. Joseph
• Popescript
• Bibliography
• Apendix

Benefits of a compact book

• Portability - A small, compact book is easy to carry, making it convenient for travel, commuting, or reading on the go.
• Accessibility - Its size allows for quick reference, whether for study, prayer, or casual reading, without the bulk of a larger volume.
• Discreetness - A compact book can be read in public or private without drawing much attention, making it ideal for personal reflection or study.
• Durability - Smaller books often have sturdier bindings and covers, allowing them to withstand frequent handling and travel.
• Efficiency - Concise and well-organized content ensures that the reader gets essential information without unnecessary bulk, making learning or devotion more focused and effective.

Visit our website www.catholicbookpublishing.com for more Catholic resources to strengthen your faith. This Spiritual Life Series title offers minute meditations for each day of the year.