Lectio Divina on the Meaning of a Call

 “It is especially necessary that listening to the word of God should become a life-giving encounter, in the ancient and ever valid tradition of lectio divina, which draws from the biblical text the living Word which questions, directs and shapes our lives.”
Pope John Paul II
Novo Millennio Ineunte, 39

Steps for Lectio Divina

1. Take a Scripture passage on the theme of call, covenant, mission, or some other theme. It is helpful for each person to have their own copy of the passage. (See suggested Scripture passages)
2. Give everyone time to read the passage silently, slowly, reflectively.
3. As you read, underline any word or phrase which particularly strikes you.
4. After everyone has finished reading, ask each person to share with the group the word or phrase which most struck them. (No elaboration at this point—just state the word or phrase.)
5. Next, go around the group and have each person tell why this particular word or phrase struck them—what it was within their own experience that responded to this particular word or phase.
6. Go around the group again asking each person, or just those who volunteer, to say what significance these insights might have for the group or for themselves.
7. Finally, after a brief period of silent reflection upon what has been shared, ask each person to “gather up” in a prayer of praise, gratitude or petition, the thoughts or sentiments flowing from the shared faith experience.
8. Pray together the closing prayer for vocations.

Suggested Scripture Passages

• Genesis 12:14; 15:6
• Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19; 15:10-21
• Exodus 3:11-12
• Amos 7:15
• Deuteronomy 29:3
• Mark 1:16-20
• 1 Samuel 3:1-10
• Luke 5:1-11; 9:57-60; 12:49-53
• 1 Kings 19:9-21
• John 1: 35-51
• Isaiah 6:1-8
• 2 Timothy 1:6-13
• Acts 9:1-19; 13:2-3; 16:9-10; 22:6-21;26:12-19
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Compliments of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry