Conversing With God In Scripture: A Contemporary Approach To Lectio Divina

by Stephen J. Binz

Is it really possible to enter into a genuine conversation with God? Christians throughout the ages have done so using the ancient practice of lectio divina, or spiritual reading. In this practical and inspirational book, Stephen Binz shows how we can read and reflect on Scripture in ways that enable us to hear God speaking to us in our thoughts and hearts. He explains how to converse with God in prayer, which will lead to contemplation and life-changing action. With a clarity that all will welcome, Binz explains the elements, characteristics, and benefits of lectio divina. This book is suitable both for beginners and those seasoned in prayer as well as for those in faith-sharing and Bible study groups.Seven examples from biblical passages show readers how to use lectio divina.Questions for reflection and discussion follow each chapter.Valuable for all, from beginners to those experienced at prayer.Stephen J. Binz is a Catholic biblical scholar, a popular speaker, and the author of more than twenty books on the Bible, including the new series, Threshold Bible Study. An enthusiastic proponent of Scripture study in the church for over two decades, Binz has studied at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Hebrew University in Jerusalem and has led numerous pilgrimages to biblical lands. He lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Genres: Christian, Prayer

150 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

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

[Sujit Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an easy accessible introduction to the ancient practice of reading Scripture. Scripture is not just meant to be studied, but also to be meditated and prayed upon. Some of the great spiritual giants of Christianity have formalized this contemplative approach under the title "Lectio Divina" (Divine Reading). Binz reviews those steps and provides both ancient witness and practical insights. All Christians would benefit from a more intimate use of Scripture. The accessibility of this work makes it a handy guide for anyone. Binz also provides study questions at the end of each chapter and so the work is suitable for group study as well.

[Pete Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A way of understanding prayer and faith in depth. Challenging, but informative

[J.V. Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I have talked to God using scripture for a long time now and never knew it is called Lectio Divina! If you want to grow in your relationship with God, this book should be on your shelf to read!

[Joyce Donahue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Great updating of the methodology of Lectio Divina. Deep explanations of the interior dynamics of each of the steps in this ancient process of praying with scripture.

[Mary Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for gaining a deeper understanding of the practice of lectio divina.

[Dolores Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!!! Amust read for those wishing to truly study the Bible and Doctrines!!!