Episode Details

In this meditation, we continue our occasional series exploring Lectio Divina, the ancient monastic practice of meditating with scripture and sacred text.

Rather than analysing a passage intellectually, Lectio Divina allows a word or phrase to settle deeply within us. The mind is given something simple to return to, and over time the words can open into deeper contemplative meaning.

Our phrase for this meditation comes from the Gospel of Luke: “The kingdom of God is within you.”

We begin by settling the body and becoming aware of the breath. Gradually, the words are joined to the rhythm of breathing: receiving the first part of the phrase on the in-breath and allowing the second part to rest upon the out-breath.

As the phrase deepens, we reflect not only on divine presence within ourselves but within every human being. The meditation therefore opens naturally into reverence, respect and compassion for others.

Eventually the words themselves are allowed to fall away, leaving simple awareness, breath and silence.

This practice offers an accessible introduction to Lectio Divina, Christian meditation, contemplative prayer and meditation with scripture.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: The practice of Lectio Divina

01:30 – Opening bell

01:35 – Settling into meditation

02:38 – Relaxing without strain

03:17 – Bringing awareness to the breath

04:57 – Introducing the sacred phrase

05:23 – Joining the phrase to the breath

07:02 – The kingdom of God is within you

07:33 – Reverence for the divine within others

10:20 – Resting deeply with the teaching

12:06 – Allowing the words to fade

12:51 – Carrying the awareness into the day

13:37 – Closing bell

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