Lectio Divina in Youth Groups
Lectio Divina is a beautiful spiritual practice that can be beneficial for youth groups. It involves reading and reflecting on sacred texts, allowing them to speak to our hearts and guide our prayers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you incorporate Lectio Divina into your youth group sessions.
Find a Peaceful Space: Choose a calm and quiet location where everyone can feel at ease and focused. It's essential to create an environment conducive to prayer and attentive listening.
Begin with Silence: Invite everyone to get comfortable and observe a moment of silence and stillness. This helps create a sense of presence and prepares hearts and minds for the practice ahead.
Read the Passage: Ask someone to read the chosen text aloud. After the reading, allow for a brief period of silent reflection to let the words sink in.
Share a Meaningful Word or phrase: Invite each person to share one word from the reading that stood out to them or caught their attention. This word can be something that resonates with them or sparks their curiosity.
Re-read the Passage. Try to have a different voice re-read teh passage to the group
Discuss the Word: Then, give everyone an opportunity to express why they chose their word or phrase. Encourage open and honest sharing, allowing participants to explore their personal insights and emotions.
Re-read the Passage: Ask a different person to read the passage aloud for the third time. This repetition allows for deeper immersion and understanding.
Close with Prayer: Conclude the session with a closing prayer. You can use a simple prayer like, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be always acceptable in your sight, for you are my strength and my redeemer. Amen."
By following these steps, you can guide your youth group through a transformative experience of Lectio Divina.
