Transformed by God's Word: Discovering the Power of Lectio and Visio Divina

by Stephen J. Binz, Kaspars Poikāns (Illustrations), Ruta Poikans (Illustrations)

Bestselling author and biblical scholar Stephen J. Binz presents the first book to combine the ancient Western practice of lectio divina (sacred reading) with the lesser-known Eastern Orthodox tradition of visio divina (sacred seeing). Binz offers a life-changing way to pray through twenty gospel readings paired with beautiful, never-before-published contemporary icons. St. Benedict urged his followers to listen to God's Word "with the ear of the heart." Eastern Orthodox spiritual writers focused on gazing at icons, as St. Paul said, with "the eyes of the heart." Popular speaker and retreat leader Stephen J. Binz draws on the richness of both traditions by combining lectio and visio divina. Contemplation is more difficult than ever during this digital age and Binz offers a proven and profound way to cut through the noise and pray the gospels. He walks you through six reading, seeing, meditating, praying, contemplating, and acting. Binz also provides simple suggestions for self-r

Genres: Prayer

210 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2016

About the author

Stephen J. Binz is a biblical scholar, writer, and speaker, with graduate studies from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Jerusalem. He has written over three dozen books in biblical theology and spirituality. His books have earned first and second place awards from the Catholic Press Association and three First Place awards from the Catholic Publishers Association’s Excellence in Publishing Awards.

As a popular speaker, Stephen Binz addresses audiences at national and regional conferences, offering keynotes, seminars, and workshops. His audiences include the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, the National Catholic Education Association, and Fashion Me People. He is also an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association.

He is the founder and author of Threshold Bible Study (Twenty-Third Publications), Ancient-Future Bible Study (Brazos Press), Lectio Divina Bible Study (OSV Publications), and the Conversing with God in Scripture series (Word Among Us Press). All of his books in print may be found at his website: www.Bridge-B.com

He lives in Baton Rouge, LA, where his wife Pamela is a member of the School of Music faculty at Louisiana State University.

Reviews

[Sarah Christmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visio divina—“sacred seeing”— is an Eastern Orthodox tradition of contemplating sacred images, allowing them to lead us into a prayer and a quiet resting in God’s presence. Binz does a masterful job of melding this practice with lectio divina (“sacred reading”) and providing the reader with a real opportunity to enter into the mysteries of the rosary in Scripture and as they appear in a lovely set of contemporary icons from Nazareth in Israel.

This is an excellent book for beginners and seasoned readers of Scripture alike. Binz clearly explains both lectio and visio divina and gives a good case for the formative value of doing them together. But the real value is in the main set of chapters, one for each of 20 mysteries of the rosary, in which he walks the reader through both “divinas,” lectio and visio. In the process, he facilitates a deep entry into the mysteries.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first section very interesting. It is a short introduction to Lectio Divina and Visio Divina, and I am interested in learning more about both.

The rest of the book are devotions by the author on a set of icons. I did not find these particularly inspiring. Borrowed from my church library.

[Argum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed a copy of this book free from NetGalley.

Lovely introduction to Lectio and Visio Divina. Stephen Binz begins the book with a few introductory chapters explaining these ancient practices and why they should be part of the modern laypersons spiritual life. He proposes a six step system to incorporate this into our lives. Then for the rest of the book it is almost like a guided demonstration. Starting with the Annunciation continuing through Jesus's life and death and then the life of the early Church and Marian milestones, a Bible passage is given inline and a few pages discuss the verses. Next a complementary icon is shown - beautiful photograph and icons - and a few paragraphs point on key features like hand postions and facial expressions. Next a meditation follows combining these. Then a short prayer prompt , a way to incorporate into actual life, and a prompt to contemplate on.

This would an excellent book to do with a small group or as a first exposure to this ancient practice. I very much enjoyed the insights given by Mr. Binz and plan to seek out more of his works.

[Bernadette Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting and inspirational guide to a meditative study of scripture and to a contemplative gazing on icons, or sacred visual art. It focuses on twenty icons that highlight the Unity Chapel at The Mary of Nazareth International Center and tell the story of the Incarnation.
The icons are part of the attraction as they contain much detail for reflection and study.

The author encourages one to focus on six elements in order to experience an inner transformation: Lectio: listening and savoring the words of scripture
Visio: gazing upon an image as participants in the actions shown
Meditatio: reflecting on the meaning and message of the sacred text and sacred image
Oratio: verbal and prayerful response to God's word as experienced in the sacred text and icon
Contemplatio: quiet resting in God
operatio: faithful living in Christ

I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I purchased the paperback copy to have all the photos in the book.