'The pope recalled that the interplay of prayer and the reading of Scripture is seen especially in the practice of “Lectio Divina.”
He explained that this prayer method on Sacred Scripture consists of slowly reading a biblical passage, then spending a period of time meditating on the text. He said it should be done “in openness to the Holy Spirit, letting God speak to us through a particular word, phrase or image.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In our continuing catechesis on Christian prayer, we now consider the importance of the Sacred Scriptures in the life of prayer. The Catechism encourages the prayerful reading of Scripture so that a dialogue can take place between God and ourselves.
Since the Holy Spirit who inspired the writing of the sacred texts also dwells in the hearts of
every believer, we are enabled, through our frequent and prayerful encounter with the revealed word, to enter more deeply into a relationship with the Triune God. As a living word, the Scriptures speak to us in the here and now of our lives, illuminating new situations, offering fresh insights, and often challenging our habitual way of thinking about and seeing the world.
The interplay of prayer and the reading of Scripture is seen especially in the practice of Lectio Divina. This consists of slowly reading a biblical passage, then spending a period of time meditating on the text in openness to the Holy Spirit, letting God speak to us through a particular word, phrase, or image.
The fruit of this prayerful dialogue is contemplation, as we silently rest under the Father’s loving gaze. Thus, the Scriptures become an inexhaustible source of peace, wisdom, and strength as we grow in faith and give it concrete expression in charity and service of others.
I cordially greet the English-speaking faithful. May the Holy Spirit lead us to appreciate
more deeply the light that Sacred Scripture shines upon our daily lives. Upon you and your families, I invoke the joy and peace of the Lord. God bless you!
Christian Campos
