What is the distinction

and interplay between

{
Lectio Divina and
Centering Prayer?
Lectio Divina Centering Prayer
Participatory Receptive
Active Passive
More Concentrative More Receptive
Sacred Word has no
Word of Scripture has
conceptual content except
content
intentionality

Use thoughts, images, and Let go of thoughts,

insights images, insights

Stresses our relationship Stresses ones’ intimacy

w/God with God
Supports the motivation Supports the motivation
for the practice of for practice of Lectio
Centering Prayer Divina.

Rest comes and goes; is Rest sustained by use of

not permanent sacred word

Helps us overcome the

Focuses on the terms of
obstacles to living the
the relationship
terms of the relationship

Group or private Group or private

 SUMMARY

Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina


are two distinct prayer forms.  If
used together there is always a
break between these two ways of
praying.  It is helpful to have a
period of Centering Prayer before a
period of Lectio Divina if the group
is familiar with both kinds of
prayer.
Gift of Centering Prayer to Lectio Divina
 There are three obstacles to the journey;

over conceptualization, hyperactivity and

over dependence on self.  Centering Prayer
helps us get beyond these obstacles and
settle into the quiet as we listen to the
scriptures, Lectio Divina, in a contemplative
manner.  Centering Prayer opens us to
new thoughts, new action and a deeper
dependence on God.
Gift of Lectio Divina to Centering Prayer
Lectio Divina, the praying of Sacred
Scripture, deepens our personal
relationship with God.
It calls us to rest in God’s transforming

presence.  Lectio Divina teaches us who

God is and who we are.