Praying Scripture for a Change: An Introduction to Lectio Divina [Paperback]

Tim Gray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 12, 2009

Many Christians find prayer difficult and, as a result, do not do much of it. The fact is, many simply do not know how to pray. Even St Paul notes this sad fact when, in Romans 8:26, he says, We do not know how to pray as we ought. In this short book, written for a popular audience by well-known Catholic biblical scholar Dr. Tim Gray, we discover the secret of the saints which can enable us to enter into a lively dialogue with God. Their secret: the ancient art of Lectio Divina (divine, or sacred reading), which is reading, meditating on, and praying the Scriptures. As St. Cyprian notes, Diligently practice prayer and lectio divina. When you pray, you speak with God; when you read [the Scriptures], God speaks to you. Here, we discover that we don t need a mystic gene or divine epiphany to hear God; we simply need to take up the Bible and read.

Product Details

• Paperback: 127 pages
• Publisher: Ascension Press (January 12, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934217484
• ISBN-13: 978-1934217481
• Product Dimensions: 0.6 x 5.3 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #458,855 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will greatly enrich your prayer life! February 14, 2009

By Cindy

Format:Paperback

Using Biblical excerpts and the wisdom of the saints, Dr. Tim Gray leads the reader through the steps of lectio divina (divine reading), allowing the reader to easily begin practicing this ancient method of praying Scripture. Dr. Gray's rich examples, practical tips, and encouragement make lectio divina accessible to everyone. Even those already familiar with this practice will likely find new insights. With every page, I felt a growing desire to "take up and read" the Bible. My prayer life was enriched and I was able to overcome many obstacles that had plagued my prayer time. After reading this book, you will read (pray) Scripture in a whole new way, and you too will discover "the adventure of a life-giving dialogue with God". If you have ever found prayer to be burdensome and dry, or found yourself wondering how to grow in your relationship with God, this book is for you.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars very informative and uplifting May 29, 2009

By Emily Dragoumi

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The author gives a very clear explanation of the four stages to Lectio Divina, and clarifies on the way some of the struggles we may be facing with our approach to prayer. He takes us through the four stages: Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and contemplatio, and then Operatio, which he has added, because, as he says, this final step would have "simply been assumed by a medieval reader..." Reading it made me go back to my Bible, and start applying the four steps. During it, I found myself extremely encouraged, enlightened, and helped on the divine ladder to conversation and communion with God.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Living Word June 12, 2010

By T. Arens

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book removed the scales from my eyes on prayer and the Sacred Scriptures. For me, it is a masterpiece in the way Dr. Tim Gray explains the the dialogue of prayer, the presence of God and providing the means to experience and receive God in our life - day by day - through the Living Word.

Dr. Tim Gray is a paradox insofar as he is very intelligent and highly educated and yet he is able to deliver lessons in a palatable, easy-to-receive manner. I own and utilize many of Dr. Gray's works, all of which have enriched my spiritual journey by leading me, so simply and easily, into a deeper understanding of our gracious and loving God.