Customer Reviews

Divine Intervention: Encountering God Through the Ancient Practice of Lectio Divina

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Tony Jones has written a very easy-to-read, step-by-step manual on the practice of lectio divina (sacred reading). The book is clearly written, and the foreign or difficult concepts and terms are fully explained and often illustrated with concrete examples drawn from his own life. Jones has taken an esoteric subject and brought it down to earth. He provides a wonderfully lucid introduction.

Marketed as a children's book, Divine Intervention is more correctly graduate-level theology. The book is divided into four parts.

1. Introduction:

a. The point of Spiritual Disciplines

b. Ways we read the Bible

c. Why pray the Bible

d. Where did Lectio Divina come from

2. The Steps of Lectio Divina

a. Lectio

b. Meditatio

c. Oratio

d. Contemplatio

3. Experiencing Lectio Divina

a. A personal Lectio Divina with me

b. Lectio Divina with my small group

c. Lectio Divina in my church

d. Afterword

4. Exercises in Lectio Divina

Personally, I feel that the philosophy presented, while it is becoming increasingly popular in the world today, provides its adherents with an emotional high, while reducing the clear commands of Scripture to a footnote. It appears that proponents of this movement are not so concerned with an appropriate application of Scripture, as long as they can experience the same thoughts, feelings and emotions as the biblical audience. What God meant seems to take second place to what he actually said, and practical application of God's word can be substituted for by spiritual disciplines.

Divine Intervention is expertly written and presented in street-level practicality, making it ideal for small groups, lay people, and ministers alike. Notes and Bibliography is included, making additional studies easy.

Armchair Interviews says: Clearly written explanations make this easy to read.

I have read quite a few books on Lectio Divina, mostly by monks or other members of cloistered religious communities. However, of all that I've read on Lectio Divina, Tony's book is the freshest, most accessible and down-to-earth. Tony frames these reflections around real life strains and demands, suggesting that Lectio Divina can be a part of our personal spiritual formation. He breaks down the process of Lectio Divina in incredibly readable, intimate practices that make sense and seem doable--even for folks who don't live in monastic communities. The book is inspiring. More than simply an introduction to Lectio Divina, Tony's book is grounded and immensely practical. I highly recommend this, even if you've already read some of the classics on Lectio Divina, this one is an important contribution to the existing literature.

With so many books on the market addressing the practice of lectio divina, I randomly started with this one based on the description. I'm so glad I did. The author is a father of young children who has learned to encorporate this ancient practice into his busy, noisy life, and he is even a fellow Minnesotan! I've read a fair amount of monastic writings and always scratch my head as to how to apply the concepts to my very non-cloistered and unsimple life.

Tony cracks the code: rise early, create a space, gather your Bible (he prefers The Message), lectionary readings, and journal, and follow the four gently flowing steps of repeated reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. He presents the historical background and Latin vocabulary, but brings it to the 21st century, which makes this young, stay-at-home, homeschooling mom feel smarter and equipped for daily communion with God.

I have implemented this practice into my quiet time and am starting each day with a deep sense of peace, encouragement,and direction. While this is not an inductive form of Bible study, which has its own merit and separate application, this practice is meant to glean an emotional response and sweet communion with God. I highly recommend the book and the art of lectio divina.