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Lectio Divina: The Ladder of Paradise, an early guide to Lectio Divina [Translated]
Early source text on Lectio Divina, written in the twelfth century 5361 words
- GenresSpirituality
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 6, 2020
An Ancient Book but a Fresh Word
Lectio Divina: The Ladder of Paradise may very well be the oldest extant treatment of Lectio Divina (spiritual reading; literally, divine reading). The author, a devout man of the Middle Ages known as Guigo II, compares the four levels of Lectio Divina to a ladder (of four rungs), resting on the earth but extending to heaven. At the first level we read (most often some passage of Scripture), isolating a spiritual desire that emerges from our reading and draws the heart toward it. Then we meditate on this desire. This is the second level. We ask what it is, why it attracts us so, how it may be obtained, what reward will be ours should we possess it, how greatly it will satisfy our longings, and so forth. The third level is prayer, in which we earnestly pursue God for the grace we seek. And if God designs that we should reach the fourth level, He will meet us there in contemplation (the fourth level). The foreword to the book states that the text is poetic prose, and that is the case. The words almost sing themselves into your heart. I recommend this book to anyone who has some degree of experience in struggling with prayer and enough frustration that she or he is willing to labor for the longed-for spiritual intimacy that awaits those who truly want it. The book is not difficult to grasp, but it may not grasp the reader who has no longing. There are more prosaic books on Lectio Divina that may be better suited to the beginner. But if you know a little about Lectio, this very brief book may inspire your affection for it.
Lectio Divina: The Ladder of Paradise may very well be the oldest extant treatment of Lectio Divina (spiritual reading; literally, divine reading). The author, a devout man of the Middle Ages known as Guigo II, compares the four levels of Lectio Divina to a ladder (of four rungs), resting on the earth but extending to heaven. At the first level we read (most often some passage of Scripture), isolating a spiritual desire that emerges from our reading and draws the heart toward it. Then we meditate on this desire. This is the second level. We ask what it is, why it attracts us so, how it may be obtained, what reward will be ours should we possess it, how greatly it will satisfy our longings, and so forth. The third level is prayer, in which we earnestly pursue God for the grace we seek. And if God designs that we should reach the fourth level, He will meet us there in contemplation (the fourth level). The foreword to the book states that the text is poetic prose, and that is the case. The words almost sing themselves into your heart. I recommend this book to anyone who has some degree of experience in struggling with prayer and enough frustration that she or he is willing to labor for the longed-for spiritual intimacy that awaits those who truly want it. The book is not difficult to grasp, but it may not grasp the reader who has no longing. There are more prosaic books on Lectio Divina that may be better suited to the beginner. But if you know a little about Lectio, this very brief book may inspire your affection for it.
April 4, 2024
This is more of an essay rather than a book, but these are the things that are in my kindle library when your dad is a pastor and your mom is getting a masters degree in spiritual formation.
This work is describing the four “ladders” of Lectio Divina- reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The author (ancient monk Guigo II) explains how each build on each other, are dependent on each other, and are all interconnected.
It is interesting how he describes “distractions” that hinder us as worldly and superficial. My mom often relays to me that the spiritual practices she reads of are almost always written by men. And while a monk certainly has rid himself of many “worldly” distractions, so too have many men in modern society- as their wife or mother take on the load of cooking, washing, child rearing, etc.
So while an ancient monk has the luxury of reaching the fourth rung of contemplation, perhaps a simple prayer breathed in the midst of the chaos of a house full of children and dirty laundry is just as close to God.
This work is describing the four “ladders” of Lectio Divina- reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. The author (ancient monk Guigo II) explains how each build on each other, are dependent on each other, and are all interconnected.
It is interesting how he describes “distractions” that hinder us as worldly and superficial. My mom often relays to me that the spiritual practices she reads of are almost always written by men. And while a monk certainly has rid himself of many “worldly” distractions, so too have many men in modern society- as their wife or mother take on the load of cooking, washing, child rearing, etc.
So while an ancient monk has the luxury of reaching the fourth rung of contemplation, perhaps a simple prayer breathed in the midst of the chaos of a house full of children and dirty laundry is just as close to God.
January 17, 2018
Sweet and short
Well put together and uplifting. Book was suggested by Thomas Merton and was well worth the time. Brevity is most of the time a blessing.
Well put together and uplifting. Book was suggested by Thomas Merton and was well worth the time. Brevity is most of the time a blessing.
July 29, 2015
Excellent primer on Lectio Divina
Written in an older time, the words are a little stilted go modern readers. The content and sage advice the author offers more than make up for the minor inconvenience. His writing seems based on hard won experience which make this treatise a worthwhile read.
Written in an older time, the words are a little stilted go modern readers. The content and sage advice the author offers more than make up for the minor inconvenience. His writing seems based on hard won experience which make this treatise a worthwhile read.
July 12, 2016
Una Lectio sobre la Lectio Divina.
Una carta que a pesar del tiempo sigue plenamente vigente como mapa de ruta y fiel compañera de la Lectio Divina bien hecha.
Una carta que a pesar del tiempo sigue plenamente vigente como mapa de ruta y fiel compañera de la Lectio Divina bien hecha.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews