Lectio Divina

“I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart. If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime.”

~ Pope Benedict XVI

Lectio Divina is an ancient form of prayerfully praying the Scriptures. In the 12^thcentury a monk named Guigo the Carthusian elaborated on St. Benedict’s practice of Lectio Divina from the 6^thcentury, and looked at the process as 4 rungs of a ladder. Dr. Tim Gray has added a 5th rung—operatio

Lectio Divina

1. Lectio 
2. Meditatio
3. Oratio 
4. Contempatio
5. Operatio 

Bible Bibliography

Bible Background

•  Entry level atlas for the Bible lands:

“Holman Bible Atlas” Editor Thomas V. Brisco, Holman Bible Publishers

• Wonderful insight into Bible times, dating, and archaeology:

 “The Harvest Handbook of Bible Lands: A Panoramic Survey of the History, Geography and Culture of the Scriptures” by Dr. Steven Collins

Bible Commentary

• The all-around best commentary series for the New Testament from a Catholic Perspective! Consists of seventeen volumes:

 “Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture” Editors Dr. Peter Williamson & Dr. Mary Healy, Baker Academic

• Takes the reader through Salvation History in chonological order, and is a great compliment to The Great Adventure Bible and Bible Studies:

 “Walking with God” by Tim Gray & Jeff Cavins, Ascension Press

• The best book to give you the backgrounds and basic introduction to the entire Bible: 

“A Catholic Introduction to The Bible” by Bergsma & Pitre, Ignatius Press

•  Best set of books demonstrating the relationship between the Old and New Testaments:

 “Jesus of Nazareth” 3 Vol Set by Pope Benedict VXI, Image, Doubleday, Ignatius

•  Best book that shows how Christianity emerged from the Judaism of the 1^stcentury:

“Judaism and the Origins of Christianity” by Dr. David Flusser, Magnes Press

• This book gives you the Jewish background of Christianity. Very insightful, but take what he says about the Catholic Church with a grain of salt. 

“Our Father Abraham” by Dr. Marvin Wilson, Eerdmans Publishing

Dictionary

• Very good source to look up words or concepts from the Bible. Good to have on your desk or Kindle:     

 “Catholic Bible Dictionary” Editor Dr. Scott Hahn, Doubleday

Church Guidance

• A deeper look at how we, as Catholics, interpret Scripture:

 “Catholic Principles for Interpreting Scripture: A Study of the Pontifical Commission’s The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church.”

Church Documents on Sacred Scripture

• “Dei Verbum”On Divine Revelation Vatican II (Dogmatic Constitution) by Pope Paul VI (1965)

https://www.amazon.com/Dogmatic-Constitution-Divine-Revelation-Promulgated/dp/0819818232/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1I1BFKHK5NKV5&keywords=dei+verbum&qid=1648316824&s=books&sprefix=dei+ver%2Cstripbooks%2C111&sr=1-4

•  Divino Afflante Spiritu –Promoting Biblical Studies by Pope Pius XII (1943)

https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_30091943_divino-afflante-spiritu.html

•  Providentissimus Deus – On The Study of Holy Scripture by Pope Leo XIII (1893)

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_l-xiii_enc_18111893_providentissimus-deus.html

• Verbum Domini -  Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church (30 September 2010) by Pope Benedict XVI

https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_ben-xvi_exh_20100930_verbum-domini.html

Download List Here — > BIBLE BIBLIOGRAPHY

Developing a System & Using the Right Tools

Develop a Personal System

By marking your Bible, you have a tangible record of your spiritual growth, recording how the Lord has uniquely spoken to you.

• Mark and write according to your life.
• When it comes to marking your Bible, you have tremendous freedom to write in and highlight truths that will dramatically impact daily living. 
• The key is to create a personalized approach that will benefit you.
• Change as you see fit – if you want to highlight areas that speak to being a mom, being a grandparent, perhaps a teacher of RCIA, etc.

Trusted Tools of the Trade

Colored pencils – Favorite brands: Caran d'Ache and PrismaColor 

Find colors that work for you! Part of the fun is the discovery of your personal highlighting system. Once you find your favorite colors, you can purchase the colored pencils individually at art stores along with a cool carrying case.

Here's Jeff's example of a personal highlighting system. Download it, print it, and keep it in your Bible. Of course, edit to fit your needs, your personal system: Bible Marking Color Coded Key

Pens – Favorite brands: Pigma Micron 005 and Zebra F-301 Retractable Ballpoint Pen 

High-lighter – Favorite brand: Zebra Mildliner

Ruler – 6 inch Plastic ruler

The Bible nourishes and strengthens—the more you live in the Word of God, the more empowered you are to live as an activated disciple. As you become more familiar with God’s word, you will discover treasures that bring you into an intimate relationship with the Lord. By marking your Bible, you have a tangible record of your spiritual growth, recording how the Lord has uniquely spoken to you.