Gathered in the Word: Praying the Scripture in Small Groups

by Norvene Vest

Book Overview

Many of us thirst for a meaningful spiritual life. We may even begin a spiritual journey, yet before we are very far along, we discover we need help.

Is the living, compassionate God revealed in scripture in a way that offers guidance and comfort to us in our contemporary lives? Norvene Vest says a resounding "Yes "

Using the classic spiritual practice of lectio divina or "divine reading" in the context of small groups, she shows how...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0835808068
• ISBN13: 9780835808064
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: Upper Room Books
• Length: 150 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

What an Amazing Book!!

Learned of it at ACU Summit in a class on contemplative prayer. The book provides step by step for initiating this practice in your life as well as in a small group setting. Very helpful!

Lectio Divina

This book gives the history of Lectio Divina in addition to being a primer in how to use this 6th century form for praying the scriptures. I am a facilitator of a small group of eight and couldn't put the book down upon first reading. Try it; you'll like it!

"LECTIO DIVINA is a WAY of deep PRAYER . . .

. . . and ENCOUNTER WITH GOD." This is author Norvene Vest's definition of LECTIO DIVINA. Vest is strong on resources, including a significant appendix: "Praying the Scriptures Alone." There are many books listed as resources; mcHAIKU suggests you study these titles before going to your usual search engine to discover more aids. The sub-title, "Praying the Scriptures in Small Groups," becomes a story of an imaginary group who use "Lectio Divina" for a year, as an encounter with God. The participants share their difficulties & successes after being persuaded to follow this very old, new-to-most-of-us method of study. To become "gathered in the WORD" you must come together with a true willingness to LISTEN, to put judgements aside, to PRACTICE and to allow renewal to happen. It can be a powerful experience, and also can be continued on a long & regular basis, making a deep impact on the spiritual lives of participants. The Lenten season would be an excellent time to experiment with /AND/OR practice Lectio Divina. Reviewer mcHAIKU cannot emphasize strongly enough how well this beautifully written book can "work" for people.

Simple way to learn lectio divina

I have used this book to teach lectio divina to several groups. It is a user-friendly way for those completely unfamiliar with lectio divina to get started and to find answers to their questions. The book is based on a case study of a small group trying to learn the technique, including their successes and their struggles. A great place to start in learning this wonderful way to listen to God in scripture.

Great Intro to Lectio Divina

I have used this book repeatedly with groups to teach Lectio Divina. The case study contained in the book is a small group trying to learn lectio, struggling a bit, and asking questions. It allows typical participant questions to come up in a safe manner. If you buy only one book on lectio, buy this one!