The Second Vatican Council stated: all . . . should immerse themselves in the Scriptures by constant spiritual reading and diligent study. . . ." The Church is still far from adequately carrying out those words, but recent years have seen a revival of interest in the Bible. During that revival, both the knowledge and the practice of
lectio divina
have become more widespread. In
Praying the Bible
Mariano Magrassi reintroduces us to this practice of prayerful reading of the word of God which is our heritage.
With his vast knowledge of the Fathers and medieval monastic writers, Archbishop Magrassi synthesizes the unique and extraordinary experience of
. What is it? What are its key ideas? What are the necessary personal dispositions? What are the steps by which prayed reading is transformed into genuine contemplation? In
Magrassi answers these questions, providing a discussion that contains a healthy challenge and an invitation to grow.
Chapters are "Liturgical Proclamation and Lectio Sacra," "
Lectio Divina
: Meaning of the Term," "
: Key Ideas," "
: Concrete Dispositions," "
: Four Acts," and "The Ancient 'Conference' and the Modern Review of Life."
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