Lectio Divina

Posted on:January 16th, 2018

LECTIO DIVINA

Good morning brothers and sisters, I greet you with great joy and peace and in the name of the Lord I announce to you all the Mission Statement for the year 2018 which reads-“this year, I am interested in growing spiritually by having a personal encounter with the Lord through a deeper knowledge of the word of God and an active participation in the small Christian Community Life.”

The scriptural passage to journey with us is Acts 2:42 which states-“…and they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

The purpose of this is to enable us deepen our love for the Lord and grow spiritually. We shall several things that will assist us achieve this namely;

1. Lectio Divina
2. Life in the Spirit Seminar
3. Divine office within the Sunday Mass and weekdays.
4. Small Christian community life.

Lectio Divina:

Lectio Divina simply means Divine Reading. It is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied, but as the living word of God.  It has 5 steps to guide movements namely:

1. Lectio-which means reading-this is the first step of lectio Divina. To achieve a calm and tranquil state of mind, preparation before lectio divina is recommended. The biblical reference for preparation through stillness is psalm 46:10-“be still, and know that I am God.”

It requires sitting quietly and in silence and reciting a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the reading of the scripture that is to follow.

The next thing we do is the slow and gradual reading of the scriptural passage, perhaps several times. The biblical basis for the reading goes back to Romans 10:8-10 which says-“God’s message is near you, on your lips and in your heart-that is the message of faith that we preach. If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.” and the presence of God’s word in the believers mouth or heart.

The attentive reading begins the process through which a bigger level of understanding can be achieved.

1. Meditatio- which means meditate. This simply means that lectio divinia does not seek information or motivation, but communion with God. It does not treat scripture as text to be studied but as the living word of God.

It involves mediating upon and pondering on the scriptural passage. When the passage is read, it is generally advised not to try to assign a meaning to it at first, but to wait for the action of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the mind, as the passage is pondered upon.

It does not accommodate theological or exergetical analysis of the scripture as to why, when, how of the scripture but on what the Lord is saying to me at that point in time and it is necessary to begin with the Gospel if we must practice lectio Divina.

1. Oratio- which means to pray. In Christian tradition, prayer is understood as dialogue with God, that is, as loving conversation with God who has invited us into an embrace.

The constitution Dei Verbum which endorsed Lectio Divina for the general public, as well as in monastic settings, quoted saint ambrose on the importance of prayer in conjunction with scriptural reading and stated: “and let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of sacred scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for “we speak to him when we pray; we hear him when we read the divine saying.””

Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of using lectio Divina and prayers on scripture as a guiding light and a source of direction and stated-“it should never be forgotten that the word of God is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.”

1. Contemplatio-which means to contemplate. Contemplation takes place in silent prayer that expresses love for God. Here we allow the Holy Spirit guide us on this journey of love for the word of God.

Lectio Divina can also be practiced at home, in the office, in the school all you need is a conducive environment for the practice of Lectio Divina. It requires a fixed and an appropriate time to help us journey with scripture.

To help us achieve this, we shall have our lectio Divina on the first and last Sunday of the month during the Holy Hour. We are encouraged to come and journey with the Lord through enriching our lives with Lectio Divina.

Life in the spirit seminar

Simply means a journey with the Holy Spirit in my Christian life. It has several benefits to us as Christians namely;

1. Helps us grow in deeper fellowship with the lord.
2. Cultivate the rich and fulfilling habit of having quiet time.
3. Cultivate love for God’s word through study and prayerful meditation on God’s word.
4. Helps us to understand and be obedient to the teachings of the church.
5. Helps us deepen our love and relationship with the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLESSINGS OVER THE PEOPLE

I DECREE MY GOD SHALL BLESS YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN.

I DECREE THAT HE SHALL WATCH OVER YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN.

I DECREE THAT THE SHALL GO BEFORE YOU TO LEAD YOU ALWAYS IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN

I DECREE 2018 SHALL BE INTERESTING FOR YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERYTHING GOOD THAT THE LORD HAS PROMISED WILL LOCATE YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I PRAY THAT THE LORD SHALL FIGHT YOUR BATTLES FOR YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE THAT THE GOOD THINGS YOU DIDN’T ENJOY IN THE YEAR 2017 YOU SHALL ENJOY IT IN 2018 IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THE LORD SHALL SUSTAIN AND GIVE YOU HIS SUPPORT IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE THAT HE WILL PLANT YOU IN FERTILE GROUNDS WHERE YOU WILL FLOURISH IN THE NAME OF JESUS;

I DECREE EVERY DOOR THAT HAS SHUT YOU OUT…NEWER DOORS WILL BE THROWN OPEN TO YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE YOUR LIGHT SHALL SHINE BEFORE THE NATION IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

 YOU SHALL BE CELEBRATED WHEREVER YOU GO IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN.

YOU SHALL RECEIVE THAT ANOINTING THAT WOULD SET YOU FREE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING THAT WOULD MAKE YOUR SHINING LIGHT BEFORE MEN IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING THAT WOULD UPLIFT IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING THAT WILL PROMOTE YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF TOTAL BREAK THROUGH IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF FAVOUR IN ABUNDANCE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF DELIVERANCE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF CELEBRATION IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF RESTORATION IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF GREAT INCREASE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING THAT WOULD MAKE YOU ENVIABLE BEFORE MEN AND WOMEN IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF TOTAL TRANSFORMATION IN YOUR BUSINESS IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING TO EXCEL IN YOUR STUDIES IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF GREAT INCREASE IN YOUR FINANCE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING THAT WOULD LEAD YOU OUT OF DEBT IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT ANOINTING OF GREAT VISION TO ENABLE YOU SET YOUR LIFE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

HE WILL GIVE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL TERRIFY YOUR ENEMIES IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

HE WILL GIVE YOU AN ANOINTING THAT WILL HEAL YOU OF YOUR DISEASES IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE THE LORD SHALL PLACE UPON YOU THAT ANOINTING THAT WILL BREAK EVERY SATANIC STRONG HOLD IN YOUR LIFE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE THAT LORD SHALL GIVE YOU AN ANOINTING THAT WILL MOVE AND TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO ANOTHER LEVEL IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD SHALL WALK IN DOMINION IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THIS YEAR, I DECREE EVERYTHING THAT LIMITED YOU IN THE YEAR 2017, GOD SHALL BREAK THEM AND MAKE A TESTIMONY CHILD IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THIS YEAR I DECREE, YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD SHALL BE PLANTED BY THE RIVER SIDE THAT NEVER GOES DRY IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THIS YEAR, I DECREE AN ANOINTING OF THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL TAKE AWAY EVERY FILHTY GARMENT FROM YOUR LIFE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY STRONG HOLD OF THE DEVIL IN YOUR MARRIAGE SHALL BE BROKEN IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY BATTLE OF THE SPIRIT YOU ENTER INTO, YOU SHALL COME OUT VICTORIOUS IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY AN ANOINTING THAT WILL DRY UP ANY STAGNATION IN YOUR LIFE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING UPON YOUR LIFE THAT WILL MAKE SHAME AND DISGRACE BE THE LOT OF THOSE SEEKING YOUR DOWN FALL IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY CREEPY DEMON TORMENTING YOUR LIFE, THE LORD SHALL DESTROY THEM IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY MONITORING AGENT OF DARKNESS, MARINE AND SERPETINE KINGDOM MONITORING YOUR LIFE SHALL GO BLIND SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY ARROW OF DEMOTION SHOT FROM THE PIT OF SHALL GO BACK TO THEM A HUNDRED FOLD IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY ENCANTATION AGAINST YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD SHALL COME TO NOTHING IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE THIS YEAR, THOSE WHO HAVE MOCKED YOU SHALL KNOW YOU SERVE A LIVING GOD AS THE LORD TAKES YOU HIGHER IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THIS YEAR I DECREE AN ANOINTING OF ELEVATION IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THIS YEAR I DECREE DELIVERANCE FROM EVERY BEWITCHMENT IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING OF TOTAL HEALING IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL REMOVE EVERY SCOURGE FROM THE PIT OF HELL OVER YOUR LIFE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE YOU SHALL NOT DIE SUDDENLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE YOU SHALL FALL TO THE GROUND AND DIE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

WHETHER THE AGENT OF DARKNESS LIKES, LET THEM GO TO ANY HIGHEST ALTAR, THE ALTAR OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARATEH IS HIGHER AND THAT ALTAR SHALL CATCH FIRE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE ANYMAN OR WOMAN THAT HAS DUG GRAVE FOR YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD THAT MAN OR WOMAN SHALL ENTER INTO IT AND BE COVERED FOREVER IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE ANY GARMENT OF SHAME UPON YOUR LIFE THE LORD SHALL TAKE IT AWAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WHEN MEN AND WOMEN SEE YOU, THEY WILL SEE THE GLORY OF THE LORD IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL LOCATE YOUR PROMOTION TO YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE NON OF THE YOUNG MEN OR WOMEN OR THE AGED OF THIS CHAPLAINCY SHALL DIE SUDDENLY IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

EVERY WITCH FLYING IN THE AIR, IN YOUR COMPOUND, YOUR BUSINESS, TO DAMPEN YOUR SPIRIT AND LIMIT YOUR PROGRESS, GOD SHALL CLIP THEIR WINGS IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

UNTIMELY DEATH SHALL NOT VISIT YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THAT MAN CHASING YOU SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY WILL CHASE YOU INTO YOUR STARDOM IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL ATTRACT YOUR OWN TO YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

THE GOLAITH TROUBLING YOUR MARRIAGE, VOCATION, BUSINESS AND PROFESSION SHALL FALL DOWN IN SHAME IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY MOUNTAIN OF DIFFICULTY, YOU SHALL RIDE OVER THEM IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL MAKE YOU FLOURISH IN WHATEVER YOU DO IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE YOU SHALL EAT THE GOOD FOOD OF 2018 IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL TURN EVERY BITTERNESS IN YOUR LIFE INTO JOY IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE EVERY SITUATION THAT PROVES DIFFICULT FOR YOU, YOUR GOD SHALL PROVIDE LASTING SOLUTION IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING OF GOOD LIFE PARTNERS UPON YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING THAT WILL ATTRACT GREAT BUSINESS COUNTERPARTS YOUR WAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE THAT COMPANY THAT YOU HAVE DROPPED YOUR BUSINESS PROPOSAL SHALL CALL YOU BEFORE THE END OF JANUARY 2018 IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE SICKNESS WILL NOT CLAIM YOUR LIFE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE YOU SHALL SPEND YOUR FORTUNE IN TREATING SICKNESS IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING OF AKACHAWA UPON YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE AN ANOINTING OF DIVINE VISITATION UPON YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

I DECREE WRESTLESSNESS UPON THAT MAN OR WOMAN WHO TORMENTS YOUR LIFE IN THE NAME OF JESUS.