Sacred Readings For Personal Edification

Sacred Readings for Personal Edification [Lectio Divina]

Journey With Me

Contents Foreword - [Bro.] Justus Van Houten, S.S.F., Society of St. Francis, American Province Acknowledgements Dedication Preface – Martin Tunnicliffe, Chaplain of The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer Introduction The Personal Journey Sharing the Journey Sacred Readings for Advent Sacred Readings for Lent Sacred Readings for Special Intentions Sacred Readings with the Saints -

St. Augustine St. Francis

Journal Entry Notes [January – December] About the Author Resources

2

Foreword

As a lecturer in spirituality at Newton Theological College (in Papua New Guinea), I value the practice of Lectio Divina and include it in my course. Very often Bible study can become merely exegesis and an intellectual exercise. The devotional use of scripture is quite different. By allowing the Bible to speak to our imaginations and hearts as well as our minds, the Holy Spirit can enflame our devotion and enliven our faith. The Good News only becomes Gospel when it becomes a part of us and not just someone else's ideas, thoughts, and experiences of God. The only Gospel we can proclaim is the Gospel that is written on our hearts. Lectio Divina is one way of allowing the Gospel to penetrate into our inmost being. Cecilia Askew's approach to Lectio Divina includes two notable insights. One is that the writings of the saints and mystics can be used as well as Holy Scriptures. These nonBiblical passages reflect the Gospel as these holy people have internalized their encounters and reflections of God. Their new images and understandings can sometimes spark our own reflections as we are confronted with timeless truths expressed with a new vocabulary. The other insight is that Lectio Divina can be used as a corporate exercise as well as an act of personal piety and devotion. The method she describes is one that I have found useful within Franciscan households, seminary classrooms, and even with prison inmates. It has the added dimension of accountability. What good does is it if we hear the Gospel but do not respond to it? An intention to respond to it is a first step but to actually respond is what makes a difference. To make a commitment to respond to the Gospel in a concrete and confirmable way helps us to make the Scripture a part of us. There is an old concept of "habitus" to make prayer, the Bible, and Sacred study a daily habit, to become steeped in the spiritual life, for it to become as natural as breathing and as familiar as our "boudoir." Lectio Divina is one of the tools to develop this attitude of "habitus". Thanks to Cecilia for making this tool more widely known and available. (Bro) Justus Van Houten, S.S.F. – Society of St. Francis – American Province

3

Acknowledgements Once again, Cecilia Askew has made a sincere effort to share her wisdom and experience with the people of The Bahamas and the world. I look forward to using it as a part of my daily devotions and will certainly recommend it to others who wish to deepen their commitment to God. Rev. Angela C. Bosfield Palacious, Coordinator Diocese 2000 and Beyond Assistant Priest, St. Margaret's Parish Nassau, The Bahamas

4

Dedication This little booklet is dedicated first to the Sisters of the Order of St. Helena with whom it has been my pleasure to journey as an Associate for over twenty years. Secondly, to the Society of St. Francis who in November 2003 accepted me as an Associate. I am grateful to Fr. Luke Dysinger of St. Andrew’s Abbey who allowed me to share some of his insights. I am equally indebted to Brother Justus of the Society of St. Francis for his encouragement.

5

Preface From the early 19th century onwards, the sacred scriptures of Christianity have become a quarry for scholars. Not that there were no biblical scholars before then, but whereas the old scholars mingled their tasks with their faith and personal devotion, modern scholars have had the option of scrutinizing the sacred texts in a pseudo-scientific manner, with academic objectivity, detached from the faith and devotion of personal and corporate Christianity. There are naturally some benefits in this approach, but it is becoming increasingly evident that, if you treat the Bible in this fashion, it opens up the danger of missing the entire point of sacred scripture. Both the Old and the New Testaments were written “from faith to faith”. There is very little in them that is academic, however much they may appeal to the modern academic mind. The Bible is a prime source for conveying to humankind the living Word of God, in order that our relationship with the Divine may be nurtured and grow. The Scriptures are eternally relevant within “the household of faith”. Without faithful meditation, prayer, and a contemplative approach, the Scriptures lose their point and purpose and are emptied of their challenge. We are fortunate that the understanding of the sacred in the created order can live on and flourish in a secular world, as indeed it must if we are not to be lost and overwhelmed in what seems to some people to be an increasingly meaningless, hostile and love-less universe. The ancient and prayerful art of Lectio Divina will always help us to listen more attentively to the Word which is “spirit and life” (John 6.63), and thereby help us to be open to the Spirit of God, for ourselves as well as on behalf of others whose ears may, for the time being, be closed to God’s living and loving Word. Martin Tunnicliffe, Chaplain of The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer

6

Introduction

Romans 12:6-8 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” [NIV] My spiritual journey began in 1976 when I rededicated my life to the Lord and came to terms with the fact that I would be a single parent. Spiritual growth over the decades has taken many forms. In 1984 I joined a band of courageous women and became an Associate of the Episcopal Order of St. Helena. This has proven to be the best decision I could ever have made. It was through this involvement, which continues today, that I came to the knowledge of Lectio Divina. Over the last few years or so I have found this type of prayer more beneficial than any other. It is seeing me through grief and sorrow, but at the same time, drawing into a more intimate relationship with my Lord. So much so that I joined the Society of St. Francis as an Associate and have made Lectio Divina a part of my Rule of Life. I would say here that I have also been guided in this practise by the works of Fr. Luke Dysinger, OSB. I have been privileged also to join with the Sisters at St. Martin’s Convent. I therefore am persuaded to share the benefits of this model of prayer with others, particularly those who lead busy lives. The book is by no means an authority on the subject nor is that the intended purpose. It is however; my way of carrying out the word of God stated above “if it is encouraging, let him encourage….” So be encouraged and enjoy the benefits of a closer walk with God. For further teaching and encouragement with regard to Lectio Divina, I encourage you to purchase and read from the list of resources that have helped me and visit the websites.

7

The Personal Journey

The Christian journey is a special one. It is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is unique to each individual. Jesus Christ comes to us in different yet profound ways. The religious of the early church found this out when they practised a pattern of prayer called “Sacred Readings” or Lectio Divina [which in Latin means “sacred reading”]. Many Christians use one of the daily readings from a lectionary or scriptural devotional. It should be noted that Lectio Divina could be done with the written works of others like St. Augustine, St. Francis and St. Ambrose all of whom have written works that nurture and help our spiritual growth. Michael Casey in his book Sacred Reading – The Ancient Art of Lectio Divina says, “repetition is the soul of genuine Lectio. It is right brain activity; we do not grasp the entire content immediately but in a circular manner. We read and advance, then we go back and read again. With each repetition, something new may strike us”. When I read that statement it helped me to understand why a passage is read three times. From experience, I know that after each reading it is possible for a new thought to occur. The duration of time for Lectio Divina is varied. At first it may be all you can do to keep it to ten minutes. Gradually however, the time span will increase and like the Sisters and Brothers in Community, you may be able to go for as long as a half hour. The half hour can be split into three intervals of 10 minutes or two intervals of 15 minutes. The Holy Spirit will direct you to the time frame that is best for you. There are many sites on the Internet that allow you to join in Lectio Divina, the Order of St. Benedict and The Call to Holiness websites. The following guide is for persons doing personal lectio or sacred readings. You should note that the stages are not separate, but should into each other:

1. First you read a passage of scripture or prayers and prose purposely, letting the words settle in your mind. Remember that you are gently being led into God’s presence, seeking him in silence.

2. Meditate on the chosen passage letting it bring memories of an experience you or another may have had and which has impacted your life. A word or phrase may get your attention. Let it speak to you and the recollections that it raises.

3. Allow the meditation to lead you into prayer using the word or phrase to speak to God. Rest in the quiet stillness of God’s embrace and then gently end the period of Lectio. Most use the “Our Father Prayer”. However, I have found using the first few verses of the psalms like 91 or 27 equally helpful. This model of prayer enhances devotions and increases one’s knowledge of the Scriptures. Throughout the world, persons are engaging in Lectio Divina on a daily basis and you are encouraged to use this model of prayer. It is meant to compliment your devotional prayer time not replace it. Lectio Divina can be done regularly at a separate

8

prayer time or incorporated into your regular devotions; either way the benefits are immeasurable. Sharing the Journey The procedure for Lectio Divina in shared community or group is patterned after the model used and promoted by Fr. Luke Dysinger, O.S.B. of St. Andrews Abbey in California, USA. It has been slightly modified and is as follows: 1. The Literal Sense – Listening for the Gentle Touch of Christ in the Word a. One person reads aloud [twice] the passage of scripture, as others are attentive to some segment that is especially meaningful to them. b. Silence for 1-2 minutes. Each hears and silently repeats a word or phrase that attracts. c. Sharing aloud: [A word or phrase that has attracted each person]. A simple statement of one or a few words. No elaboration.

2. The Allegorical Sense - How Christ the Word speaks to ME d. Second reading of same passage by another person [perhaps with a different version of the scripture]. e. Silence for 1-2 minutes. Reflect on: “What inwardly do I see or hear – what inner sense experience occurs – as I repeat this word or phrase within me?” f. Sharing aloud: Briefly: “I hear, I see….” 3. The Moral Sense – What Christ the Word Invites me to DO

g. Third reading by still another person [again using another version of the scripture passage if available]. h. Silence for 1-2 minutes. Reflect on: “God invites me to do/be/become…. today/this week.” i. Sharing aloud: at somewhat greater length the results of each one’s reflection. [Be especially aware of what is shared by others.] j. After full sharing, pray. [Note, anyone may “pass” at any time. If instead of sharing with the group they may prefer to pray silently, simply state this aloud and conclude your silent prayer with AMEN.] Before you begin, the following basics should be in place: A – Choose a time frame that is good for you. [Early morning, Afternoon or Evening depending on your schedule]. B. – Have a quiet place set aside where there is very little or no distractions.

9

C. – Sit quietly in a comfortable position and allow your breathing pattern to slow down. Some advocate that using “centering prayer” or a “prayer word” such as Jesus, Peace, Love, or Abba is helpful to begin Lectio. Having established time, place and comfort area, you are now ready for your Sacred Reading/ Lectio Divina. Scriptures have been provided as help only. Please feel free to use scriptures from your lectionary or prescribed daily devotionals. My experience has shown me that I can use this method of prayer with special intentions or just to nourish my spirit. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide.

10

11

Sacred Readings for Advent [Praying the Psalms] Week 1

Morning

Noon

Evening

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Ps. 34:1-8 Ps. 5:1-3 Ps. 119:1-8 Ps. 18:1-3 Ps. 16:5-8 Ps. 25:1-5

Ps. 121:5-8 Ps. 71:1-8 Ps. 12:1-6 Ps. 117 Ps. 26:1-3 Ps. 146:1-5

Ps. 96:1-6 Ps. 11 Ps. 14 Ps. 6 Ps. 17:1-3,8 Ps. 100

Ps. 27:5-11 Ps. 24:1-5 Ps. 28:7-9 Ps. 37:1-9 Ps. 31:21-24 Ps. 32:1-5

Ps. 84:11-12 Ps. 95:1-6 Ps. 102:18-22 Ps. 144:1-4 Ps. 1 Ps. 42:1-4

Ps. 47:5-9 Ps.138:1-5 Ps. 119:33-40 Ps. 30:1-5 Ps. 35:27-28 Ps. 42:5-11

Ps. 44:1-3 Ps. 45:1-4 Ps. 119:44-57 Ps. 24:6-10 Ps. 62:1-4 Ps. 116:12-19

Ps. 63:1-5 Ps. 47:5-9 Ps. 119:65-72 Ps. 53 Ps. 62:5-8 Ps. 111:1-5

Ps. 103:1-5 Ps. 48 Ps. 8 Ps. 29 Ps. 61 Ps. 111:6-9

Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Week 3 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Week 4 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday *Friday

Ps. 23 Ps. 27:1-6 Ps. 89:1-8 Ps. 138 Ps. 80:1-7

Ps. 121 Ps. 93 Ps. 89:9-18 Ps. 139:1-2 Ps. 80:8-14

12

Ps. 113 Ps. 96:7-10 Ps. 89:19-29 Ps. 139:13-24 Ps. 80:15-18

13

Sacred Readings for Lent [Praying the Scriptures]

Ash Wednesday Thursday Friday 59

Morning

Noon

Evening

Ps. 51 Ps. 148 Ps. 147:1-13

Isa. 58:1-12 Joel 2:1-2,12-17 Ps. 119:97-104

I Tim. 6:6-19 John 8:1-11 Luke 12:49-

Job 1:13-22 Ps. 139 Ps. 147:14-20 Ps. 119:105-112 Ps. 42 Luke 14:7-14

Luke 13:1-9 Rom. 5:12-19 Job 2:1-10 Luke 15:1-10 Job 5: 17-27 Luke 14:15-24

Ps. 14 Matt. 4:1-11 Matt. 6:1-6 Job 5:1-16 Ps. 35 Luke 14:25-

Ps. 150 Job 8:1-13 1 Pet. 3:16-22

John 5:1-18 1 Pet. 3:8-15 Ps. 86:1-10

Ps.117 Ps.130 Matt. 26:36-

Heb. 8:1-6 Ps. 40 Joshua 1:1-5

1 Pet. 4:1-11 John 5:30-47 Joshua 1:6-11

Ps. 86:11-17 Eph. 6:10-20 Josh. 1:12-17

Ps. 119:1-8 Exodus 3:9-17 Matt 26:57-68

James 5:7-12 Ps. 119:25-32 Ps. 102:1-13

Dan.9:15-19 Ps. 119:33-40 Luke 13:31-

Matt. 26:69-75 Ps. 146:1-6 John 9:1-12

Ps. 27:11-14 James 5:13-20 John 9:13-25

Ps. 102:14-22 Ps. 135:1-7 John 9:26-41

Ps. 3

1 Sam. 16:1-7

Rom. 5:12-21

Week 1 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 33 Week 2 Monday Tuesday Wednesday 56 Thursday Friday Saturday Week 3 Monday Tuesday Wednesday 35 Thursday Friday Saturday Week 4 Monday

14

Tuesday 10 Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 26

Jer. 13:1-11

Matt. 20:17-20

Exodus 6:1-

Ps. 34:1-10 Jer. 18:1-11 Ps. 34:11-18 Matt. 27:1-10

Rom. 6:1-11 Exodus 5:1-9 Rom. 7:1-6 Matt. 27:11-19

John 5:19-24 Eph. 5:8-14 Heb. 8:6-13 Matt. 27:20-

Ps. 20:1-9 Ps. 54:1-7 2 Cor. 3:7-18 Ps. 90:1-10

John 5:25-29 Exodus 10:11 Ps. 55:1-8 Rom. 7:7-13

Rom. 8:6-11 2 Cor. 1:1-7 2 Cor. 4:1-12 Matt. 21:33-

Exodus 10:12-20 Ps. 73:1-9

Isa. 5:1-7 Ps. 73:10-19

Ps. 88:1-12 Ps. 73:20-28

Isa. 50:4-9 Ps. 31 Ps. 122:1-9 Ps. 39:1-13 Ps. 143:1-12 Ps. 142

Philip. 2:5-11 John 12:20-32 2 Cor. 4:13-18 John 17:6-17 Col. 1:18-23 John 5:5-12

Ps. 80 Lam. 1:1-12 Lam. 2:8-19 Lev. 16:2-24 Gen. 22:1-18 Micah 7:14-20

Week 5 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 46 Friday Saturday Holy Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Maundy Thursday Good Friday Holy Saturday

15

16

Sacred Readings for Special Intentions [Praying the Scriptures]

Praying for Healing Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Morning

Noon

Evening

2nd Chron. 28:14-16 Eze. 47:11-13 Jos. 5:7-9 Ps. 30:1-3 Matt. 15:27-29 Luke 9:41-43

Isaiah 58:7-9 Matt. 9:34-36 2 Kings 2:20-22 Isaiah 53:4-6 Mark 5:33-35 John 5:12-14

Jer. 33:5-7 Luke 6:18-20 2 Kings 5:1-2 Matt. 8:7-9 Luke 4:39-41 Jas. 5:15-17

Mark 10:17-31

Matt. 19:16-30

Luke 18:18-

Acts 1:15-26 Luke 6:12-16 Matt. 9:9-13 John 4:1-14 2 Tim. 1:1-14

Mark 3:13-19 Luke 9:1-6 Luke 5:1-11 John 4:15-28 Acts 9:1-25

Mark 1:1-8 Matt. 4:18-22 Luke 5:27-32 John 4:29-42 Acts 22:3-16

Eph. 2:1-12 Eph. 5:15-18

Acts 16:1-12 Ps. 16:7-8

Jer. 29:11-13 Gen. 19:31-

Hab. 3:15-19 1 Sam. 23:1-5 Matt. 2:13-15

Gen. 12:1-9 Ps. 25:4-7 Hosea 1:1-3

2 Sam.7:1-16 Deut. 17:2-5 Jer. 38:1-13

Praying for Vocations [Calling] Monday 30 Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Praying for God’s Will Monday Tuesday 36 Wednesday Thursday Friday

17

Saturday

1 Kings 17:13-16

Matt. 2:13-15

Matt. 1:18-25

Job 28: 1-9 Prov. 3:1-8 Acts 7:9-15

Job 28:10-16 Prov. 3:9-18 1 Kings 3:3-10

Job 28:17-28 Prov. 3:19-26 1 Cor. 1:18-

Prov. 9:9-12 James 1:1-5

Prov. 1:7-9 James 3:17-18

Luke 2:24-38 1 Cor. 1:18-

Prov. 8:1-12

Prov. 8:13-24

Prov. 8:26-36

Isaiah 38:1-8 Mark 14:32-36 Matt. 6:5-15 Matt. 7:7-12

Ps. 4:1-8 Ps. 3:4-5 Neh. 4:4-5,9 Col. 1:9-14

Matt 21:21-22 Neh. 1:4-11 Acts 4:24-30 1 Thes. 5:9-

Dan. 9:2-6 2 Kings 2:9-12

Dan. 9:7-11 Ex 32:1-7

Dan. 9:12-19 Ex 32:8-14

Deu. 7:16-26 Lev. 19:1-2 James 1:21-27 Matt. 5:3-12 1 Thes. 5:1-11

Col. 2:1-12 Matt. 6:1-4 Matt. 12:33-37 Phil. 2:1-5 John 13:3-5

Col. 2: 13-23 Heb. 12:1-4 Hab. 3:17-19 Rom. 1:6-9 Luke 10:29-

1 Cor. 10:29-33

Mark 12:28-34

2 Peter 1:2-9

Praying for Wisdom Monday Tuesday Wednesday 25 Thursday Friday 25 Saturday Prayer Filled Life Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 18 Friday Saturday The Christian Life Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 37 Saturday

18

19

Portrait of St. Augustine

Saint Augustine’s Writings The written work of Saint Augustine takes the form in many instances of confessions as they speak to us about his life after conversion. We journey with him, noting the reality of the Christian who struggles with doubts, fears and, sorrow even though Jesus Christ is an intimate friend. The writings I have chosen to share reflect not only Augustine’s spiritual journey but the way of every born-again Christian.

20

For as little as 10 minutes you can become one with Saint Augustine as you read, meditate and pray. Like him let your prayer be: “Here is my heart, O god, here it is with all its secrets: look into my thoughts, O my hope, and take away all my wrong feelings: let my eyes ever be on you and release my feet from the snare.” Confessions IV, 6

Sacred Readings [Praying with Saint Augustine]

Praying to Meet God

21

Seeking Father, I am seeking: I am hesitant and uncertain, but will you, O God, watch over each step of mine and guide me. [Confessions XI, 17]

Here is my heart Here is my heart, O God, here it is with all its secrets; look into my thoughts, O my hope, and take away all my wrong feelings: let my eyes ever be on you and release my feet from the snare. [Confessions IV, 6]

The depth of your love If I choose to remember my past sins and my unenlightened soul, it is not out of any love for them but because I want to love you, my God. It is in order to know the depth of your love that I recall the wickedness of my past. In that bitter memory my hope is to feel your sweetness, a sweetness in which there is no deception, only happiness and security: so I seek to restore unity within me in the wake of those inner wounds which tore me apart when I gave myself up to vain things and turned away from you, the one true God. [Confessions II, 1]

Praying For God to Change Our Lives

Out of your sight I have examined my failings, O Lord, and have called for your hand to save me.

22

Even in my spiritual weakness I saw your splendour and overwhelmed I said to myself: Who can approach such glory? Yet once again I have let myself be driven back out of your sight. You are truth who presides over all things, but I in my greed, while not wanting to lose you, wanted at the same time to possess a lie… And so I lost you, because you do not allow us to possess you alongside a lie. [Confessions X, 41]

You made us for yourself O Lord, you are great, you are to be highly praised; Your power is great and there is no limits to your wisdom. And man, a tiny part of your creative work, wants to celebrate your praise, man, who drags his own frailty behind him, as a testimony to his sin and to your desire to reject the proud: in spite of this a small part of your great work of creation wants to celebrate your praise. It is you who have aroused this desire in us because you made us for yourself, and our hearts will not be at peace until they rest in you. [Confessions I, 1a]

Praying For God’s Forgiveness

Setting us free When we confess our wretchedness to you and acknowledge your mercy to us,

23

we are revealing your love for us, so that, as you have begun, so may you complete the task of setting us free: that we may cease to be unhappy in ourselves and become happy in you; for you have called us to become poor in spirit, to be meek and to mourn, to hunger and thirst for justice, to be merciful, pure in heart and authors of peace. [Confessions XI, 1]

Take pity on me, O Lord! When my whole being is united with you, then I feel no more sorrow or pain; mine will be the true life wholly filled by you. You raise up all who are filled with your spirit; but I am not yet so filled, I am a burden to myself. the worldly joys that I ought to lament struggle within me with the sorrows in which I should rejoice, and I do not know where the victory lies. Take pity on me, O Lord, for I am not hiding my wounds from you. You are the doctor, I am the patient: you are the giver of mercy – I am in great need of it. [Confessions X, 28] Lord, grant us peace O Lord my God, grant us peace; already, indeed, you have made us rich in all things! Give us that peace of being at reast, that Sabbath peace, the peace which knows no end. [Confessions XIII, 35]

Praying To God The Father And Creator

24

By your word How, O God, did you Create heaven and earth? Certainly it was neither in heaven nor on the earth that you made them, nor in the air or water which are part of heaven and earth; nor could create the universe from within the universe, since nowhere existed in which to do it before it had itself been created. You did not even hold in your hand something from which to extract heaven and earth, because where could you have taken it from if you had not already made it? Is there anything that exists other than because you exist? So you gave the word and the world was created; you created it by your word. [Confessions XI, 5]

Praying To God To Speak

25

Happy is he who loves you O Lord God of truth, Is scientific learning enough to obtain your favour? Unhappy is he who has all knowledge yet does not know you; but happy is he who does know you yet is ignorant of all else. Anyone who has both is not made any happier by human knowledge; he is happy through you alone, if in knowing you he honours you and continually gives thanks for your greatness. [Confessions V, 4]

26

Praying To God The Source of All Gifts

Happiness and truth Happiness is the possession of truth and truth is rejoicing in you, O Lord my light, my salvation, my God. This happiness, this life, the only happy life, is desired by all: everyone longs to possess the truth. [Confessions X, 23]

You are happiness O Lord, take away the idea from the mind of your servant who confesses to you, that any joy whatsoever is happiness. There is one joy that is not granted to the wicked, but only to those who give you honour without expecting any reward; for them you yourself are joy. This indeed is happiness: Rejoicing in you, about you, for you; this and nothing else. Whoever believes that there is happiness other than in you is pursuing something different, not the possession of true happiness. [Confessions X, 22]

27

Image of St. Francis of Assisi

Writings of Saint Francis

28

Saint Francis of Assisi was born at Assisi in Umbria in either 1811 or 1812. His conversion is a result of incarceration and illness. His writing reflects that of one has come to know the triune God in a very personal way. He founded the Franciscan Order, which has opened the way for laypersons to become a part of this ministry through what is known as the Third Order. He is also known as the patron saint of animals and the environment. To learn more about Francis of Assisi I refer you to the following resources: The Way of St. Francis Through The Year with Francis of Assisi By Murray Bodo, O.F. M. www.americancatholic.org www.s-s-f.org Like St. Paul, Francis of Assisi’s writings and prayers are exhortations. You are invited to read, meditate and pray with him.

Sacred Readings

29

[Praying with Saint Francis]

A Prayer of Praise We thank you that through your Son you created us, and that through the holy love you had for us you brought about his birth as true God and true man by the glorious, ever-virgin, most blessed, holy Mary, and that you willed to redeem us captives through his cross and blood and death. [-Rule of 1221, Chapter XXIII]

We Are Like Paintings In a panel painting representing the Lord of the Blessed Virgin, it is the Lord of Holy Virgin who is honoured, while the wood and the painting claim nothing for themselves. Similarly, a servant of God is a picture of God, in which God is honoured for his favour. And you may not claim credit that God is pictured through you, for compared to him you are less than the wood and the painting. [-Mirror of Perfection, 45]

Compassion “For I, being in sin[s], thought it bitter to look at lepers, and the Lord himself led me among them, and I worked mercy with them. And then I left their company, I realized that What had seemed bitter to me, had been turned into sweetness of soul and body. [-The Testament of St. Francis]

The Holy Words Of God “Whoever comes from God listens to the words

30

of God” [Jn *;47]. We who have been commissioned to deal with things divine should not only hear and fulfill what God says, but, what is more, in order to root in ourselves the transcendence of our Creator and our obedience to him, we should take reverant care of the sacred vessels and the liturgical books which contain his holy words. [- Letter to the Whole Order]

The Gifts of God God gave and keeps on giving to each one of us a whole body, a whole soul, a whole life. He created us and redeemed us, and he will save us by his mercey alone. He has done and keeps on doing everything good for us. [- Rule of 1221, Chapter XXII]

31

Personal Journal Entry Notes

January

32

33

February

34

35

March

36

37

April

38

39

May

40

41

June

42

43

July

44

45

August

46

September

47

48

October

49

50

November

51

52

December

53

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

54

For a little more than three decades, Chaplain Askew worked in the Financial and Investment services industry in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. She received training in Office Administration and was a member of the Institute of Commercial Management of the United Kingdom until 2008. A trained Pastoral Counsellor and Spiritual Director she also completed the requirements for Level 1 Clinical Pastoral Education and is a Certified Chaplain with the College of Pastoral Supervision & Psychotherapy [Bahamas/Caribbean] which is under the auspices of the Public Hospital Authority [Bahamas]. For the past three years she held Pastoral Care membership with the Association of Christian Counsellors [UK] and is currently member of Spiritual Directors International. She serves the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas as the Pastoral Care Ministries Coordinator, Director of the Marriage & Family Life component of the Alpha Course and is a Chaplain and Education Facilitator for the Ecumenical Health Care Ministry. Presently, Mrs. Askew is a teacher of Religious Knowledge, History/Social Studies and Christian Family Life, teaching middle and high school students. She is a Christian author and has written many articles for bible study and devotions. First and foremost however, she is a daughter of the KING of Kings and walks by faith and not by sight.

RESOURCES FOR SACRED READINGS/LECTIO DIVINA

55

BOOKS

1. Toward God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer 2. Sacred Reading: The Art of Lectio Divina 3. A Guide to Living in the Truth All three by Michael Casey Praying the Word: An Introduction to Lectio Divina By Enzio Bianchi James W. Zina – Translator Praying the Bible By Mariano Magrassi Edward Hagman – Translator Too Deep for Words By Thelma Hall No Moment too Small By Norvene Vest Listening for the Heartbeat of God By J. Philip Newell Lectio Divina By Basil Pennington Praying The Psalms By Thomas Merton The Word is Very Near You By Martin L. Smith

WEBSITES

56

The Order of St. Benedict http://www.osb.org/lectio/index.html The Call to Holiness http://www.thecalltoholiness.net/prayer_links.htm St. Andrew’s Abbey http://www.valyermo.com Society of St. Francis http://s-s-f.org/frameset_houses_j.htm Personal Edification Through Prayer http://www.geocities.com/ceciaskew/prayerlife.html Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer http://www.fcpuk.fsnet.co.uk

57