Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer

by David G. Benner

Most Christians want to experience spiritual transformation. But many are frustrated by the limited progress of our spiritual self-improvement efforts. We find our praying burdened by a sense of obligation and failure. But prayer is not merely something we do; prayer is what God does in us. Prayer is not just communication with God; it is communion with God. As we open ourselves to him, God does the spiritual work of transformation in us.Spiritual director David Benner invites us to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality and the Christian life. Prayer is far more than saying words to God; all of life can be prayer when offered to God in faith and with openness. Using the four movements of lectio divina, Benner explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding and being. Along the way he opens us to a world of possibilities for communion with God: praying with our senses, with imagination, with music and creativity, in contemplation, in service and much more.Learn how prayer can be a way of living your life. Move beyond words to become not merely someone who prays, but someone whose entire life is prayer in union with God.

Genres: Prayer, Spirituality, Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Religion, Discipleship

180 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

David G. Benner (PhD, York University; postdoctoral studies, Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis) is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, spiritual guide, and personal transformation coach. He currently serves as Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute, Richmont Graduate University. He has authored or edited more than twenty books, including Soulful Spirituality and Strategic Pastoral Counseling

Reviews

[Blake Chenoweth · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Prayer is not something that we do, but something that God does in us." This book is one of the best books on prayer and lectio divina that I have ever read. It is all about being open in your life to God and His presence. When we place our self open to God and hearing from Him we are living a life of prayer. This is a transformational thing for us when pondering prayer and the need of it in our lives. When we allow God to fill us, and are open to His life-giving message we will be transformed and experience true growth.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who is interested in going deeper in their prayer life and journey with Christ. As I was reading though I discovered that there could easily have been two books in one. He spends time talking about Lectio Divina and could make that an entire book and then the communion with God and life as prayer as another book. This does fit together as they are both essential to our Christian life, but I could've had him expand on both of these thoughts even more. Overall a wonderful read.

[Tom LA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book is about the power of prayer. Author is David Benner, he is a professor of psychology and a spiritual director.

This book is so full of wisdom and real, personal examples (as opposed to many writings about spirituality, that can sometimes be extremely airy and vague). I am deeply impressed and I will recommend it to anyone.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A text for a Fall 2016 Brite Course, "Spiritual Life and Leadership" - one of the best so far that I have read for this course, and have recommended for my church's book club. From the publisher: Most Christians want to experience spiritual transformation. But many are frustrated by the limited progress of our spiritual self-improvement efforts. We find our praying burdened by a sense of obligation and failure. But prayer is not merely something we do; prayer is what God does in us. Prayer is not just communication with God; it is communion with God. As we open ourselves to him, God does the spiritual work of transformation in us. Spiritual director David Benner invites us to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality and the Christian life. Prayer is far more than saying words to God; all of life can be prayer when offered to God in faith and with openness. Using the four movements of lectio divina, Benner explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding and being. Along the way he opens us to a world of possibilities for communion with God: praying with our senses, with imagination, with music and creativity, in contemplation, in service and much more. Learn how prayer can be a way of living your life. Move beyond words to become not merely someone who prays, but someone whose entire life is prayer in union with God.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so completely resonated with this book and found it a timely breath of free, pure air. What joy to discover such a rich understanding of prayer as opening yourself to communion with God. I much appreciated the practical suggestions the book offered and the deep application of Lectio Divina to all of life. Highly recommend.

...Second time around, still loved this book just as much!

[Laney Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another phenomenal, deeply thought-provoking book by David Benner. I think Benner was one of the first more contemplative authors I read years ago, and it’s been so fascinating to watch my own understanding and experience of what he’s talking about unfold over the years… to the point now where the things he’s writing about don’t feel like vague jargon or many words that I can’t attach to any personal experiences or encounters. I almost feel as if I’m sitting with a spiritual director in an extended session of sorts, who is inviting me to see the invitation of the Triune God in my own life… and that is a gift. I really appreciated the difference facets of prayer that he discussed in this book, and his tone was gentle and invitational and inspirational as always. There are definitely some familiar prayer practices that he mentioned that, this time around, I feel drawn to circle back to and begin to find ways to practice them in my own life.

[Crosby Cobb · Rating 3 out of 5]

“We do not pray so that we can get God’s attention. We pray so that God will get our attention. We pray so that, as our attentiveness to God increases, our souls may be shaped by the reality of God’s constant, loving, self-revealing presence.”

An interesting read! I certainly didn’t agree with all of Benner’s perspectives but nonetheless found them helpful, challenging, and thought-provoking.

[Paige Sagach · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Prayer is the soul’s native language.”

A lovely read for those who want to learn more about Lectio Divina prayer.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for some additional information about Lectio Divina. While I love Jones' clear and succinct description, I wanted more. Benner offered more. Not just more volume but more insight and breadth. He couched the four elements of Lectio in new terms and filled them with new content and insight.

While I'm a novice a prayer and thus incapable of being critical, there were some elements of Benner's descriptions that left me wondering. I just wasn't sure if I could do what he asked.

However, I certainly recommend this for anyone wanting to be challenged to think in new and different ways about praying.

[Kelly Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable and lovely read. I enjoyed savoring this book before bed and praying as a way to drift off to sleep.

Benner does a phenomenal job at explaining profound truths about God in a loving and thoughtful way. I learned a ton in this book about different ways to pray and, ultimately, how the posture of your heart can make living life a prayer of its own. It’s a beautiful thing. Really focused on the idea of being present to your life and your circumstances, and going with the flow of what God is doing in your life, not necessarily what you want Him to do.

I know I’ll come back to this book again in the future. ❤️

[Kerstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simply the best book on prayer I've ever read. Period.

[Julianna Steen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is deep and meaningful, and I really appreciated how he talked about prayer. He described it as more than just using words—that’s only part of it. Benner explained prayer as being an openness to God that often leads to silence & inner healing. He gave lots of examples throughout the book, which was helpful for me. I want to more intentionally incorporate silence into my time with the Lord, as well as use liturgical prayers to center myself in Him.

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Appreciated how wide-ranging, gracious, holistic, and ecumenical this book is while remaining within the bounds of a generous “little o”orthodoxy.

If you’re looking for a book on prayer, especially of the more contemplative varieties, you could do a lot worse than this one by Benner.

I listened to the audiobook, so I might like it even more if I get around to reading a physical copy of it on my own sometime.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformational. I highly recommend it to any believer, but especially for those in ministry. Something about how Benner opens up prayer to all of life frees me from doing anything spiritual "for others" and neglecting myself. I can simply exist with my God in all things and experience Him no matter what.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an awesome introduction to some new forms of prayer! I’ve been doing a lot of breathing prayer in light of this book and have found it helpful. I feel I would need a spiritual director to help me begin lectio divina prayer but still the concepts behind the idea will be helpful for me to carry into my scripture reading and prayer. Great read.

[PD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Staff Reading.

I have read a few of his books before and this book is consistent with his tone, tenor, and vein of topics. There was a lot to affirm and be stretched in.

The things I would challenge are more to do with way he articulated and expressed things, which has more to do with our differences in Christian tradition.

If you decide to read this, you will benefit. But I also suggest you read Ed Clowney's booklet Christian Meditation and Paul Miller's A Praying Life as companion reads.

[Angela Ebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book on prayer. Benner focuses on presence and being with God, growing in prayer as loving encounter and more than only “casting our cares” (though there is certainly a place for that). There are practical application sections as well, which were so helpful - he guides the reader through prayer practices in these sections, after being introduced to the concepts in the chapter. Thank you, D. Benner, for mentoring me in prayer and helping me move into a deeper loving encounter with God.

[Zach Tychsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on prayer. It is very inspirational but also extremely practical. His premise that prayer is opening ourselves up to God and something He does in us is very strong and supported throughout the book. Highly recommend.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging and inspiring read. I am sure I will return to portions of this book to reflect on. This is not so much a book to read but to live.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on prayer I've read!

[Glen Grunau · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Benner’s opening statement “If we are honest, most of us have a to admit that prayer is often more of an obligation than something arising spontaneously from desire” accurately reflects my own conservative religious upbringing – which was preoccupied with “doing” to the exclusion of “being”. For so many years, my journey in prayer was bound by the formalities and formulas like ACTS (adoration-confession-thanksgiving-supplication) and praying from a “grocery list” of names of people and causes. Being fond of structure and routine, this form of prayer appealed to me in many respects . . . but whenever my resolve failed, I never once questioned the form of my prayer, instead assuming that the fault rested with my own lack of discipline and willpower, leading me to simply resume my practice, but primarily from the sense of duty and obligation that Benner speaks to above.

Such beautiful freedom is offered when Benner reminds us that “rigidly hanging onto spiritual practices that no longer bring us life can also block our openness to God”. Yet Benner suggests that the real problem for many of us is much deeper than our particular prayer activities: “. . . the core of the misunderstanding lies in thinking of prayer as something that we do. Understood more correctly, prayer is what God does in us. Our part has much more to do with consent than initiative”.

When I was introduced to contemplative prayer about five years ago, for the first time in many years I caught a glimpse that prayer could be so much more than I could ever have imagined. I now belong to a contemplative dispersed community (Soulstream) which is founded on a number of values that reflect this important idea that prayer is God's initiative and our consent. The first Soulstream value is: “God constantly takes the initiative in love, expressed most profoundly in Christ”. The second is: “We live with a receptive orientation to life rather than achievement”. Applied to prayer, these values have been transformational!

In reflecting back on some of the historical difficulties in my prayer, it seems to me that I felt that I somehow had to raise myself up to a level conducive to prayer. The “adoration” in the ACTS formula that I was taught, seemed to serve the purpose of pumping myself up to feel things about God that I did not honestly feel. Benner wisely recognizes that “Rather than trying to fix things up before turning to God, genuine prayer is turning to God in the midst of the mess that is the reality of our inner world. It is turning to God in the midst of our confusion and doubt, our anger, our hopes, our fears, our fantasies, our pain, our coping, our defences, our struggles, our sin, and our brokenness”.

By suggesting that prayer is the normal, natural language of our soul, Benner offers us permission to discover our own unique prayer dialect. He offers several possibilities: “Perhaps it is silence . . . words . . . more active than reflective or verbally expressive . . . or perhaps it is more creative (and) what bursts from within you when you are your true self before God is a short story, a dance, a wonderful culinary creation . . .” I have been learning that words are not my primary prayer form. Why should they be? I have always in life been much more of a listener than a talker. Should it be any surprise that that this would also be true in my relationship with God? I resonate strongly with Benner’s reference to the reminder from Thomas Keating of something long taught by Christian mystics: "silence is God's first language; everything else is a poor translation."

Yet Benner also offers a warning that if we only stick with our natural dialect we will limit ourselves in our growth, which requires that we “open more and more dimensions of our being to God - learning to commune and converse with God in ways that move us beyond those that come most naturally”.

When prayer is defined as attentive openness to God, practices that we never would have considered as prayer become prayer. In a recent Soulstream retreat, we were given the opportunity to experience an encounter with God in a movie. This was offered as a prayer experience. Watching movies contemplatively has turned out to represent a natural prayer language of my own soul! What a gift this has been to me, especially considering how I was prohibited throughout my childhood from watching movies for religious reasons!

Benner offers one of the most comprehensive overviews of prayer that I have encountered in one book, with a unique emphasis on contemplative prayer. Such a broad definition of what can constitute prayer truly gives new meaning to Paul’s admonition to “pray without ceasing” (and I used to think that meant praying with words – how oppressive would that be?!!). Benner organizes his book into 4 broad categories of prayer and suggests that the various prayer forms that he describes can be either (or a combination of) attending, pondering, responding or being.

What I love about this book is Benner’s generous invitation to move slowly and to be gentle with ourselves as we open ourselves up to new and unfamiliar forms of prayer. He encourages us to “not worry about being a purist. Remember, the point is being with the Master, not mastering a practice.” He also invites us to “pray as we can, not as we should” and to be realistic about what is possible given our unique circumstances . . . and to remember that “prayer is easily ruined when we make it a project – part of a spiritual self-improvement plan. Rather than pushing yourself forward by resolve, allow God to lead you by desire. The most typical evidence of grace at work within us is not awareness of duty but awareness of desire”.

Over and over again, Benner emphasizes intention and desire over technique. This is important given my tendency when learning anything new to give undue attention to my own efforts, often in measuring and evaluating my performance. Benner quotes Michael Casey in warning the reader that this can easily become a hazard in our prayer: "Prayer cannot be measured on a scale of success or failure because it is God's work – and God always succeeds”. Benner goes on to say that “the only thing we should seek in prayer is God. When we focus on how we are doing or what we are getting out of prayer, we have taken our eyes off God and put them back on our self”. He also offers the guidance that “chief among the thoughts that we release as we seek to simply be with God in stillness and inner silence are evaluative wonderings about our prayer experience”. He reminds us of what Anthony of the Desert teaches: "Perfect prayer is not to know that you are praying."

I conclude with a quote from Benner that for me sums up the potential value of this book for all Christians committed to growing in their prayer experience: “Contemplative prayer is not so much a type of prayer as something that should be a component of all prayer. It is the silence and space for stillness before God that supports genuine presence and openness to God . . . Sadly, it is this contemplative dimension that is most lacking from prayer. Communal prayer seldom leaves sufficient space for stillness before God in silence. Even liturgical prayer often leaves inadequate space for silence, and non-liturgical worship experiences are, of course, usually infamously devoid of silence. Intentional times of personal prayer are often rushed and reduced to the basics of petitions, intercession and possibly an expression or two of gratitude. All this is certainly worthy of being called prayer. But lacking the contemplative dimension, it is not holistic prayer and it will not be transformational”.

[Kenson Gonzalez]

In our time, prayer is a topic that has taken on more importance, many Christians and non-Christians are interested in knowing “how” prayer works and how we should pray. There is much interest in the form, but we have forgotten the most important thing about prayer, which is, communion with our Lord.

In this book entitled “Opening to God: Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer" (Expanded Edition), Dr. David G. Benner helps us to understand that prayer is more than forms or something systematic, but that it is a lifestyle, in which the believer responds to God through prayer. Prayer, more than formalities, requires faith, honesty and devotion, it is not about pretending something that we are not before God, but about being who we are, dependent on his grace and love.

The focus of the book lies in two ideas: prayer as communion with the Lord and lectio divina as a guide. Personally, I knew little about lectio divina, and reading the contributions the author makes in chapter two has encouraged me to investigate more about the role of lectio divina in spiritual life and how the Church has used it. However, chapter two makes a good introduction on this matter. Have you ever read the Scriptures, finding nothing in it but technical information, but not the Voice? This is where lectio divina becomes important to hear what God wants to say to us through the Scriptures.

The difference between "Opening to God" and other books on prayer is that its approach is very practical, in fact, at the end of each chapter, readers will find some suggestions to deepen the aspects covered.

The book is divided into nine chapters, the first three as an introduction to prayer and lectio divina, and the other six chapters to consider prayer in a holistic way.

At the end of this reading you will be inspired to renew your prayer life and also to use lectio divina, all of this to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

David G. Benner has refreshed his book “Opening to God” and I’m glad, it brought it to my attention! He unpacks the essence of prayer and reviews four classic prayer paths: attending, pondering, responding and being. In each of this, he breaks them down further and then writes nuggets of truth I have found myself digesting for days.

“Lectio divina treats Scriptures not as a text to be studied or a set of truths to be grasped, but as the living Word— always alive and active, always fresh and new.”

From “Opening to God” by David G. Benner
This is not a book to be rushed but one of be savoured, to be practiced. I found I would read a short piece each night, try out the recommended practice, reread the piece and then keep the cycle going digging deeper into it each time.

“When we ponder something we hold it lightly and give it space. We turn it over and consider it from various angles. We ruminate on it—that is, we think about it repeatedly, slowly and casually, efficiency of our thought process not being as important as carefully considering all aspects of the issue.“

From “Opening to God” by David G. Benner
The framework created is robust but the manner of delivery is a gentle embrace, a safe space for the soul to explore, play, lament and heal.

“Prayer is divine communion that enables us to engage the world with renewed focus, competence and passion—and with all of our natural gifts and abilities.“

From “Opening to God” by David G. Benner
If you are looking for calm and peace, for connection practices and soul space, this is one to pick up and enjoy! It is five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from InterVarsity Press through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening to God
Lectio Divina and Life as Prayer
by David G. Benner
Pub Date 13 Apr 2021
InterVarsity Press, IVP
Christian


I am reviewing a copy of Opening to God:Lecito Divina and Life as Prayer through Intervarsity press and NetGalley;



A good majority of Christians want to experience spiritual transformation. But many are frustrated by the limited progress of our spiritual self-improvement efforts. We often find that we feel burdened by a sense of obligation and failure. But prayer is not merely something we do; prayer is what God does in us. Prayer is not communication with God, but it is communication with God as we learn to open ourselves up to him, God does the spiritual work of transformation in us.




The author of this book David.G. Benner is a spiritual director and psychologist. Prayer is far more than saying words to God; all of life can be prayer when offered to God in faith and with openness. Benner explores prayer using the four movements of lectio divina, he explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding, and being. Along the way he opens us to a world of possibilities for communion with God: praying with our senses, with imagination, with music and creativity, in contemplation, in service, and much more.


In this book you will learn how prayer can be a way of living. Move beyond words to become not merely someone who prays, but someone whose entire life is prayer in union with God.



I give Opening to God five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Heather Pocock · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Benner's book is a beautiful, helpful and inspiring book guiding the reader in how they might deepen their prayer life and live a life of prayer. He introduces the reader to the concept of "openness to God" as the key to prayer He focuses on Lectio Divina: Lectio (Prayer as attending), Meditatio (Prayer as pondering), Oratio (Prayer as responding) and Contemplatio (Prayer as being).

I appreciated how the book was not just theological and theoretical but also full of practical and real-life examples. If you are not familiar with some of the more classical approaches to prayer, some of his terminology and his framework for prayer could be confusing as he doesn't explain all his terminology. Since reading it, I have found that I am more regularly resting in God, open to Him and am more readily noticing God in my day to day. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to refresh their prayer life and would benefit from a mentor in prayer.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

[Not · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Very good book. I have really been needing a change in my prayer life and this was so much more than I was expecting. It stretched my view of prayer and gave me more than just "tricks" but deep insight into prayer which changes my paradigm! I do not agree with everything he says in the book and sometimes you need to be patient for him to qualify something iffy he says until a little later but it pays off. I'm challenged and will be reading this over and over until real transformation happens! If you want a book that will just give you some techniques for prayer this isn't it. There are many forms of prayer discussed in it, and practical guidelines for how to start them at the end of each chapter, but this is so much deeper. You can't just read it, you need to live it!

[Dawn Dishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in 2018. Picking it back up 8 years later revealed so much more to me after several years of putting into practices Benner’s suggestions in his book.

I resonate with so many things in this book. I desire to experience the deep abiding relationship with God Benner invites his reader to enter into. What I easily forget and Benner reminds me is that all of prayer is submitting in faith to God’s action within us-not us trying to control God with some outcome.

As the author himself writes, “Prayer is not designed to change God. Its purpose is to change us.” Yes, and may it be!

This is a beautiful handbook for deeper intimacy with God. I can’t take on everything at once, but hope to continue practicing new ways of opening to God.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggle with the more mystical/monastic side of Christianity. But this book pushed me in good ways. It consistently focus on prayer being about God's presence and out connection rather about ourselves. It offers some needed structure to prayer and related issues for those who spiritual practices might have gotten stale or who struggle in this area. All that said, I believe that putting this into practice is hard. It seems to me the whole world is pushing in the opposite direction and often so is the church. Much to ponder. Might go back and work my way through the questions and exercises offered at the end of each chapter.

[Brian Draeger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book challenged my notions around prayer.  Prayer is less about us formulating our requests to God, and more about us seeking to identify God's presence in every aspect of life.  Although this book was a tad wordy, it did give me a new perspective and new ways to practice prayer. 


"Asking where God might be in unwelcome circumstances is quite different from asking why they happened. That question is ultimately unanswerable. But “Where were you, God, when this happened?” and “Where are you now in my experience?” are questions that can be answered—not by me but by the Spirit"

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this book during some early morning walks in the new year. It helped me to reflect on the ways I engage in prayer and how I’d like to deepen my time of prayer in the coming year. It’s firmly on the contemplative genre, so some readers may be frustrated at the lack of theology, or feel like it is very open ended, but that may miss the point of the book somewhat. Perhaps it’s a great book to read once you have a good sense of who God is, and how he relates to his world. I certainly found it thought provoking and helpful!

[Neil Saltmarsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book once and have got so much out of it but feel that I will definitely re-read this again in the future. As a book on prayer it focuses on Lectio Divina and the aspects of contemplative prayer in particular. As a long time Christian but short time practitioner of spiritual practices and this type of prayer, I found this book incredibly helpful. I certainly can recommend it to anyone who has a desire to wait on God.