Stephen Binz - Lectio Divina Bible Study: Learning to Pray in Scripture (Lectio Divina Bible Studies)

Lectio Divina BIBLE STUDY

LEARNING TO PRAY in Scripture

Lectio Divina BIBLE STUDY

LEARNING TO PRAY in Scripture

STEPHEN J. BINZ

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The Scripture citations used in this work are taken from the Catholic Edition of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible (NRSV), copyright 1989 and 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, for use in the United States of America, copyright 1994 and 1997, United States Catholic Conference Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Every reasonable effort has been made to determine copyright holders of excerpted materials
and to secure permissions as needed. If any copyrighted materials have been inadvertently
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Copyright 2011 by Stephen J. Binz.

Published 2011.

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All rights reserved. With the exception of short excerpts for critical reviews, no part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without permission in writing from the publisher. Contact:

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ENDORSEMENTS FOR LECTIO DIVINA BIBLE STUDY: LEARNING TO PRAY IN SCRIPTURE, BY STEPHEN J. BINZ

I recommend this book for anyone who wishes to put in practice the vision articulated by Pope Benedict XVIs Apostolic Exortation, Verbum Domini. Whether alone or in groups, the reader will find this how-to book on lectio divina to be a gem. Not only does Stephen Binz give solid grounding in the steps of lectio divina and the proper attitudes or dispositions as we pray, but his step-by-step reflections on the prayer of Jesus and all who preceded Him in Sacred Scripture are done in a very simple and inviting fashion.

Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville

Stephen Binz offers us a feast of prayer in the Bible as seen from the prayerful experiences of a host of old scriptural friends that include among many others: Abraham, Isaiah, Daniel, Job, Judith, the Psalms, and best of all, the prayer lives of Mary and Jesus. The author leads us through a journey that begins with listening and proceeds to understanding, reflecting, personal prayer, and action. Its the best application of lectio divina I have ever come across. Stephen Binz invites us to hear the sounds of silence and feel the rhythm and depth that flows into us from Gods Word and presence.

Rev. Alfred McBride, O.Praem.

For so many of us who want to pray effectively with Scripture, the prospect can be overwhelming. In Learning to Pray in Scripture, Stephen Binz gives us a spiritual road map to guide the way. Set against the backdrop of lectio divina, this beautiful and necessary book provides readers with the practical tools and inspiring words they need to use the Bible as the basis of regular prayer.

Mary DeTurris Poust, author of The Essential Guide to Catholic Prayer and the Mass

For more than a millennium Christians have practiced lectio divina in order to allow the Sacred Scriptures to draw them into deeper union with God. Sadly, this ancient practice is unknown to many Christians today. In Learning to Pray in Scripture, Stephen Binz masterfully guides readers into the practice of lectio divina so that their words of prayer might be shaped by the very Word of God. Anyone seeking a richer prayer life and a deeper understanding of the Bible would do well to read this book.

Eric Sammons, Director of Evangelization, Diocese of Venice in Florida, and author of Who Is Jesus Christ, Unlocking the Mystery in the Gospel of Matthew

ENDORSEMENTS FOR LECTIO DIVINA BIBLE STUDY: THE SACRAMENTS IN SCRIPTURE, BY STEPHEN J. BINZ

Catholics feel a special love for the seven sacraments, such a distinctive feature of our Church. For those who want to meditate on their meaning, touch their foundations in the Bible, and forge deeper relationships with their faith community and with God this book is an enriching guide.

Rev. Paul Turner, Pastor of St. Munchin Church, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Facilitator for the International Commission on English in the Liturgy

Stephen Binz has given us a wonderful pastoral tool for exploring the sacraments and their scriptural foundation. Through the use of lectio divina, a process of reading, reflecting, praying, and acting on Scripture, he has provided an approach to the sacraments that includes guided reflection on their roots in both the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures as well as a way to prayerfully integrate this material with the Christian life. Well-grounded in biblical and liturgical theology, his work is thoroughly accessible and should be welcomed in any adult faith formation program.

Catherine Vincie, RSHM, PhD, Professor of Sacramental and Liturgical Theology, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, MO

The Sacraments in Scripture is a practical, pastoral tool for exploring the biblical roots of the sacred mysteries of our faith. By using a five-fold pattern of listening, understanding, reflecting, praying, and acting, Stephen Binz gives readers both a solid grounding in the teaching of the church and an achievable action plan for living out those teachings. This book is well-suited for individuals seeking a deeper exploration of their faith. It is also designed for small communities that wish to study and grow together in faith. This clear, engaging guide to the sacraments will enrich and inspire all who read it.

Nick Wagner, Founder and director of TeamRCIA.com and author of The Heart of Faith: A Field Guide for Catechumens and Candidates

ENDORSEMENTS FOR LECTIO DIVINA BIBLE STUDY: THE MASS IN SCRIPTURE, BY STEPHEN J. BINZ

Stephen Binz The Mass in Scripture provides every reader with an opportunity to learn how to pray the parts of the Mass with devotion and understanding. Binz straightforward writing allows readers of all levels to learn what the Council set out as one of the great goals of its liturgical reform: the increased participation of the faithful at every Mass.

Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York

The Mass in Scripture is an insightful resource for individual and group study by Catholics who wish to further their understanding of the biblical roots of the Mass and the meaning of the coming changes in the Mass prayers. Stephen Binz has provided a well-organized and clearly written guide that can only heighten appreciation for the inexhaustible riches of our Catholic Mass.

His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington

In his book, The Mass in Scripture, Stephen J. Binz does a brilliant job in using lectio divina to help Catholics grow in a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Mass. His writing is strongly based in Scripture and draws readers into a deeper celebration of the Mass and a commitment to live out their lives as a eucharistic people.