By The Rev. Chris Harris
Tuesday nights 7pm-8pm in the Library at CCC (Dec 2, 9, 16, and 23)
Advent is a season of waiting, watching, and listening. It is a time when the Church leans into silence and expectation, preparing our hearts to welcome Christ anew. At Christ Church Cranbrook, we are offering a special opportunity every Tuesday night in Advent (Dec 2 through Dec 23) to explore an ancient practice that embodies this spirit of listening: Lectio Divina.
If you’ve never tried Lectio Divina before, you are not alone. Many have never heard of it, and those that have might assume it’s something reserved for monks and mystics. In reality, Lectio Divina — which is Latin for “divine reading” — is a simple, accessible, and transformative way of engaging Scripture. It is not about mastering biblical scholarship or memorizing verses. Instead, it is about letting God’s Word speak directly to your heart, here and now.
I will never forget my first experience. I had often heard people say that the Bible will ‘speak’ to you if you let it. Lectio Divina was the first time I had ever experienced that for myself. For me, bringing together Scripture and prayer, in the context of small group community, brought to life God’s word in a way like no other. I literally felt chills the first time as instead of reading the text, it was as if the words of Scripture were actually reading me!
This Advent, we will be practicing Lectio Divina with the birth narratives — those familiar stories for angels announcing good news, shepherds watching their flocks, and Mary pondering in her heart. They are often read quickly or heard in passing during Advent and Christmas services but when we slow down and listen prayerfully, they open up in surprising, even transformative ways. They become not just ancient accounts, but living words that speak to our own lives today!
At its core, Lectio Divina is a way of praying with Scripture that unfolds in four movements. You begin by reading a passage slowly and attentively, listening for a word or phrase that catches your attention. Then we meditate on that word or phrase — “Why does this stand out to me? What might God be saying?” Then we respond in prayer and silence allowing God’s presence and Word to dwell within us. This is not about doing, but about being—resting in the love of Christ.
When we read the birth narratives through Lectio Divina, we allow ourselves to be drawn into the story. We may find ourselves standing with the shepherds under the night sky, or sitting beside Mary as she treasures the angel’s words. We may hear God speaking into our own lives: “Do not be afraid,” “Peace on earth,” “The Word became flesh.”
These stories are not just about Bethlehem long ago. They are about God’s desire to be born in us today. Lectio Divina helps us hear that invitation.
While it is a wonderful practice for the season of Advent, once you learn the practice, it can become a lifelong companion. Imagine praying with the Psalms during Lent, or listening to the parables of Jesus in Ordinary Time. Each passage becomes a doorway into deeper communion with God. And over time, Lectio Divina cultivates a posture of attentiveness. It trains us to listen not only to Scripture, but to God’s presence in everyday life.
This Advent, join us in the Library on any of the 4 Tuesday nights beginning 12/2 at 7PM as we experience this ancient practice.
This series will be led by The Rev. Marjorie Wilhelmi who is an ordained Minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She has served as pastor in several churches in this area, most recently the Kirk in the Hills. She is certified by The Shalem Institute in Contemplative Leadership and a recent graduate of Living School for Action and Contemplation. Marjorie is drawn into contemplative practices as they help us live more fully into our Christian faith and is passionate about inviting others to join in that adventure.
Deeply grateful, Chris, that you are the servant who draws us to this feast of word and contemplation.
I am too full of my own words to be good at such openness, so i hope to learn.
Will we “remote” members have a chance to participate through Zoom?
Hi Marty! Let me reach out to you and see what we can set up.