Praying the Bible: An Introduction to Lectio Divina [Paperback]

Mariano Magrassi (Author), Edward Hagman (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1998

"Much more than a spiritual exercise, through the art of lectio divina we become a biblical people. Praying the Bible offers an invitation to the practice of sacred reading as a whole way of life by which we are conformed to the living Word of God by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit." -Michael Downey, author of Trappist

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian

Product Details

• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: Liturgical Pr (June 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814624464
• ISBN-13: 978-0814624463
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #38,614 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Spirituality > Prayerbooks

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Be inspired to read God's Inspired Word, April 11, 2002

By 

Christopher D. Wininger (St. Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Praying the Bible: An Introduction to Lectio Divina (Paperback)

This is a really excellent book introducing Lectio Divina, and an enjoyable read. The author make an excellent case for praying the bible -- the ancient art of lectio divina. I gave the book a four star rating because it does not have as many of the "helps" other books on the topic have. However it will get you started with lectio divina, and should help you approach the discipline with the right attitude.

The author focuses a lot on inspiration. The same Spirit that inspired the Biblical writers, also inspires the text as we read it, and continues to inspire it as He applies it to our lives. Magrassi helps you expect God to work in you, as you contemplatively read and pray the scriptures.

This book has a wealth of quotes from the contemplative tradition spanning the history of the Church. I'd buy the book for the quotes, alone! There are also good footnotes for all the citations. Sometimes it is as if the saints from the past were writing the book; Magrassi weaves the quotes so well into his message.

Mariano Magrassi is a Catholic Archbishop, but this book is theologically neutral. As a Protestant, I found the book easy to receive. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

To summarize from the book, quoting Smaragdus:
"Reading enables us to learn what we do not know, meditation enables us to retain what we have learned, and prayer enables us to live what we have retained. Reading Sacred Scripture confers on us two gifts: it makes the soul's understanding keener, and after snatching us from the world's vanities, it leads us to the love of God" (p. 20)

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, January 21, 2012

By 

Potithavoranant - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Praying the Bible: An Introduction to Lectio Divina (Paperback)

Great reading. It was very challenging and helped me grow in my faith especially in read and praying. Get this book if you're looking to grow in your journey as a Christian.

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting, October 5, 2010

By 

Peter P. Parisi (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Praying the Bible: An Introduction to Lectio Divina (Paperback)

This is a book which needs to be read carefully. Give yourself time and peace and allow yourself to really absorb Magrassi's message. He makes lectio seem critically important and I found myself itching to get at scripture as I read. There are several genuine "wow!" moments. Magrassi has made me more aware that the Bible is God's creative Word Himself.