Book Review: Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina by Thelma Hall

<h1>Book Review: Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina by Thelma Hall</h1>Author: <a title="Peter Menkin" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/peter-menkin/82261.htm">Peter Menkin</a> An intimate book with prayer and lectio divina as goal For some time now I have owned the title, "Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina" by Thelma Hall. I have used it for prayer, and I have used it for lectio. The hallmark use I have put the book to is its selections of scripture readings for prayer. This is not to say that the purpose of the book, lectio divina and its prayer form, its reading form of the scriptures is to be ignored. No, the author's writings regarding this method of intimacy with scriptures is worth the time to read. A comfortable book, and by that I mean it is an inviting read, one can enter into the monastic method of prayer. Here, in the introduction, the author calls lectio an entry way to contemplation. It is "...generally accepted that contemplation was an extrordinary grace..." but here the intent is to open lectio and also contemplation to Christians as part of their spiritual life. If I may interpret a little bit, the writer says that with this people can enter more loving relationships with others, and with God. A means to accomplishing this is through lectio divina. She says, "...we grow in love of God as we grow in any intimate love relationship..." A prerequisite is to trust God and know he is faithful to us. The practice of lectio divina is fourfold, and I have learned this method a number of times from others and Thelma Hall is right on the money as I know it. In fact, one may rely on her for this kind of prayer and relationship in prayer with God. The book has an integrity to it. Though not specifically a how-to book, this is a mini-retreat and not so long of one in text form. The text part, not counting the scripture readings, is only 55 pages. Most people will find their way through that and find it fruitful. The four parts to lectio: Read the word of God; reflect on the word; where the word touches the heart, or meditation on the word; and, contemplating the word of God. Through this we may come through the night to a new dawn. Or as I read it, we may leave behind some of our darker side and come to a lighter side of inspiration with scripture, and illuminated so gain a special relationship with God. This is reachable, to some degree, by most people who are so willing to be devotional. To stretch the idea more, as an invitation, the writer says this is what to do: "--To receive, and place no obstacle to the Holy Spirit. "--Follow attraction to interior silence and remain in loving attentiveness. "---Abandon all activity and let oneself be drawn into the darkness of God's love, forgetful of self. "--When it becomes possible to meditate again, do so, until and unless interior silence becomes habitual." The book is a traditional teaching, and Thelma Hall, a retreat leader is a religious (member of the Religious of Cenacle) in Bedford Village, New York. A book recommended to me by monks of New Camaldoli in Big Sur, the book is recommended by others interested in similar spirituality. The publisher is Paulist Press, a Catholic Church publishing house. I think anyone interested in expanding their horizons of prayer life and entering more fully into scripture will find this an interesting and worthwhile book that leads to a more fruitful life of the spirit. --Peter Menkin, Mill Valley, CA USAAbout the Author: Peter Menkin, an aspiring poet, lives in Mill Valley, CA USA (north of San Francisco). 
 
My blog: 
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.petermenkin.blogspot.com">http://www.petermenkin.blogspot.com</a>Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/book-review-too-deep-for-words-rediscovering-lectio-divina-by-thelma-hall-574556.html" title="Book Review: Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina by Thelma Hall">Book Review: Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina by Thelma Hall</a>

An intimate book with prayer and lectio divina as goal

For some time now I have owned the title, "Too Deep for Words: Rediscovering Lectio Divina" by Thelma Hall. I have used it for prayer, and I have used it for lectio. The hallmark use I have put the book to is its selections of scripture readings for prayer. This is not to say that the purpose of the book, lectio divina and its prayer form, its reading form of the scriptures is to be ignored. No, the author's writings regarding this method of intimacy with scriptures is worth the time to read.

A comfortable book, and by that I mean it is an inviting read, one can enter into the monastic method of prayer. Here, in the introduction, the author calls lectio an entry way to contemplation. It is "...generally accepted that contemplation was an extrordinary grace..." but here the intent is to open lectio and also contemplation to Christians as part of their spiritual life.

If I may interpret a little bit, the writer says that with this people can enter more loving relationships with others, and with God. A means to accomplishing this is through lectio divina. She says, "...we grow in love of God as we grow in any intimate love relationship..." A prerequisite is to trust God and know he is faithful to us. The practice of lectio divina is fourfold, and I have learned this method a number of times from others and Thelma Hall is right on the money as I know it. In fact, one may rely on her for this kind of prayer and relationship in prayer with God. The book has an integrity to it.

Though not specifically a how-to book, this is a mini-retreat and not so long of one in text form. The text part, not counting the scripture readings, is only 55 pages. Most people will find their way through that and find it fruitful.

The four parts to lectio: Read the word of God; reflect on the word; where the word touches the heart, or meditation on the word; and, contemplating the word of God. Through this we may come through the night to a new dawn. Or as I read it, we may leave behind some of our darker side and come to a lighter side of inspiration with scripture, and illuminated so gain a special relationship with God. This is reachable, to some degree, by most people who are so willing to be devotional.

To stretch the idea more, as an invitation, the writer says this is what to do:

"--To receive, and place no obstacle to the Holy Spirit.
"--Follow attraction to interior silence and remain in loving attentiveness.
"---Abandon all activity and let oneself be drawn into the darkness of God's love, forgetful of self.
"--When it becomes possible to meditate again, do so, until and unless interior silence becomes habitual."

The book is a traditional teaching, and Thelma Hall, a retreat leader is a religious (member of the Religious of Cenacle) in Bedford Village, New York. A book recommended to me by monks of New Camaldoli in Big Sur, the book is recommended by others interested in similar spirituality. The publisher is Paulist Press, a Catholic Church publishing house. I think anyone interested in expanding their horizons of prayer life and entering more fully into scripture will find this an interesting and worthwhile book that leads to a more fruitful life of the spirit.

--Peter Menkin, Mill Valley, CA USA

Peter Menkin, an aspiring poet, lives in Mill Valley, CA USA (north of San Francisco).

My blog:
http://www.petermenkin.blogspot.com

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/book-review-too-deep-for-words-rediscovering-lectio-divina-by-thelma-hall-574556.html

Article Tags: Spiritual, Christianity, Christ, Catholic, Devotionals, Osb, Lectio Divina, Meditation Reading, Monasticism, Thelma Hall

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Latest Religion Articles
More from Peter Menkin

God Rebukes the Priests in Bible versus Quran

By: Prof.dr. Ibrahim Khalil | 02/12/2009
In the Bible, God, the Lord of Hosts curses the Priests and will corrupt their seed. God will spread dung on their faces etc. In the Quran, there is neither Monasticism nor priesthood therein.

Canaan and Heaven – How God Gives

By: Denny Smith | 02/12/2009
Canaan was God's promised land to the children of Israel. Heaven is God's promised land to Christians. Both were gifts but how does God give - conditionally or conditionally?

Christmas in the United States and Canada

By: Oli Osorhan | 01/12/2009
Christmas in the United States today can be seen as focused around family, travel, shopping and decorations.

History of Christmas

By: Oli Osorhan | 01/12/2009
Commercial activities during Christmas today are often decried as making the season too materialistic. This has caused comments that the religious aspect of Christmas is so overlooked and overshadowed that its celebration seems to be purely pagan.

Top 3 Awesome Gods

By: Kasan Groupe | 01/12/2009
A list of the top three most awesome Gods/deities. I bet you can't just worship one!

A Caribbean Christmas

By: Oli Osorhan | 01/12/2009
In the tropical islands of the Caribbean, the temperature is above 75 degrees from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, which means that it is warm and pleasant during Christmas.

Eating Heartily but Consciously During Christmas Season

By: Oli Osorhan | 01/12/2009
During the Christmas season, summer and its body-conscious state of mind are distant memories. Hearty indulgence in the many foods shared at Christmas therefore doesn't produce the same feelings of guilt.

Christian Faith: A Journey to Life’s Real Purpose

By: Elle Wood | 01/12/2009
Drug addiction, woman trafficking, child abuse, abortion, and all time high crime rates - what more could this rotting society offer? It seems as if everyday is just another opportunity for these rowdy criminals to spread foibles and idiosyncrasies without recognizing the after effects they do to society, more so to the Christian faith.

Places to go during Advent and Christmas -- recommendations by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 28/11/2009 | Christianity
These various events around the area give testimony and celebration, entertainment and festivity and even fun to the season of charity and good will to all. Come enjoy this wonderful season, this Holiday, this gift of the winter celebration in various places: mostly through music and some through dance.The Jewish year, too, in its winter, has the celebration of Hanukkah. Note the YouTube video below of Pacific BoyChoir’s singing a Hanukkah song in this article.

Noted Lutheran minister, poet, lyricist Herb Brokering passed away, an Obituary, by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 14/11/2009 | Religion
The Reverend Doctor Herbert F. Brokering, pastor, author, lyricist, speaker and hymn writer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), died Nov. 7 of congestive heart failure at his apartment in Bloomington, Minn., according to his son, Mark. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America news service says in its report, “Brokering, 83, was a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Bloomington. "Herb Brokering's legacy includes carefully crafted words on the lips of believers gathered.

Preparing for Worship, poem by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 14/11/2009 | Christianity
God, in the Sacristy of the Church: We encounter you-- as We go about our routine Preparing for Communion. Yet aware of beauty and the gratitude: This is the day the Lord has made, Let us be glad in it. Doing the work of worship: Preparing in this room, holy Sacred items reverently placed.

Summer weather ballyhoo rejoice heat wave, poem by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 14/11/2009 | Poetry
Come festive days, wanted weather. Straw hats, suits, shorts, lace gown, khakis; costumed for roller skating go the mother-daughter duo, costumed things grown up growing. And there the grandmother sachet for granddaughter from the ice cream store where flavors abide (many).

November Season, poem by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 14/11/2009 | Christianity
Mary was a lovely girl, serene; so given to an open heart, Friend of God like Abraham, seminal archetype welcoming The Holy Ghost. What comes here November time? Pentecost Days of spirits and united souls, saints in heaven and memories Of the dead. "Where sorrow and pain are no more." Mystical Holy Ghost. Steadfast, "mystical body of thy son," what is the light that shines Perpetual, for You do support us all the day long.

Interview: The Wandering Jew travels the world for stories, Ben Harris of Jewish Telegraphic Agency, by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 14/11/2009 | Religion
An American journalist named Ben Harris, who works for Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), is traveling the world in search of stories about Jews in their various communities. He says in his blog how unique this assignment has been.The blog has all the reports on his work as the “Wandering Jew,”. This lively interview with the Wandering Jew, American Journalist, Ben Harris, about his travels and traveling, was done mostly by email, with two conversations via webcam on Skype.

Interview: LifeWay Southern Baptist teacher David Francis about Sunday school, the strong program, by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 09/11/2009 | Christianity
In a letter via email, LifeWay’sDavid Francis, Director, Sunday school, Discipleship, Church & Network Partnerships, LifeWay Church Resources, supplies a response to this writer’s inquiry regarding Southern Baptists, the Sunday School Church. He responds in part to questions asked of Sharon Ely Pearson of the Episcopal Church in her earlier interview. The answers themselves provide a context for his statement.

Survey: most favor civil unions--moral stance on homosexuality major influence on decision, report by Peter Menkin

By: Peter Menkin | 01/11/2009 | Christianity
In a newsworthy survey titled, “Majority Continues To Support Civil Unions: Most Still Oppose Same-Sex Marriage,” the Pew Report offers a telling look at the changing attitude in America for Civil Unions. The study of considerable scope and depth says in one part: An August 2009 Pew Research Center survey finds that 53% oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally, compared with 39% who support same-sex marriage, numbers that are virtually unchanged over the past year.