Reading To Live: The Evolving Practice of Lectio Divina (Cistercian Studies Series)

by Raymond Studzinski OSB

Lectio divina, the ancient practice of prayerful reading, is a font whose waters are waiting to quench the thirst of spiritual seekers, both beginners on the spiritual journey and experienced travelers. The art of holy reading transforms lives. Through the practice of lectio individuals and communities discover God's living word addressed to them in their particular now," to enlighten, challenge, encourage, and suggest. Reading to Live traces the practice of lectio divina from its roots in the ascetic movement in the early church and monasticism to its rediscovery in recent times. The benefits lectio brings become clear as Origen, Augustine, Bernard, and many others throughout history testify to its power in their lives. Modern commentators from a variety of disciplines spell out lectio's potential for the world of the twenty-first century. This book invites people of all faiths to embrace the Venerable practice of lectio divina. It provides abundant creative testimonies to its practice and to its life-changing effects. Raymond Studzinski, OSB, a monk of St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana, is an associate professor in the School of Theology and Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington DC, where he teaches courses on religious development and spirituality.

Genres: Spirituality, Prayer

279 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2009

Reviews

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

You don't have to feel excited about when punctuation was introduced; when words didn't have spaces between them, and then did; when monks kept reading alive and read until a text told them to stop, and considered said text to be medicine, food, fragrance, spice, mirror, living, changing; you don't have to feel excited about what it was like when the first person read silently (the scandal!): I will feel these things for you.

[Vyvyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the practice of lectio divina through history. It seemed thorough, and was definitely readable. It started with one of the most concise histories of reading and print that I've come across, as well! Plenty of footnotes & bibliography.

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a history of lectio divina, rather than instruction in how to do it, but possibly all the more interesting for that. Lots of reference to the teachers of the early and medieval church.

[Ephrem Arcement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down...my favorite book on Lectio Divina! It's a wonderful read for anyone who loves sitting down with a good book.