Lectio Divina is a way of becoming immersed in the Scriptures so they surround you and draw you into the meaning of God’s word. It translates as divine reading. History Origen in the third century believed that the Logos, The Word, was incarnate in Scripture so could live within those who read it and heard it, teaching them in the process. The Christian form of Lectio Divina was first introduced by St Gregory of Nyssa in the fourth century. The Desert Fathers and Mothers began to seek God in the deserts of Palestine and Egypt and began a tradition of constant prayer in monastic settings. Lectio Divina was encouraged by St Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the Benedictine order, in the sixth century, as a way of developing a closer relationship with God by reflecting prayerfully on his words. He inaugurated this particular variant of private scriptural prayer for his monks. The monks would rise in the early hours of the morning and their days were long. The practice worked its way through the monasteries of Western Europe gaining popularity. Guigo the second wrote The Ladder of Monks which describes a process of methodical prayer – reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation are the steps of his ladder. In later centuries Lectio Divina lost its appeal somewhat as people moved towards a historical critical approach to the Bible. It was not until the 20th century it had a comeback with books about it being written and sold to the public, not just those living in religious communities. Pope Benedict the sixteenth spoke about its importance, perhaps unsurprisingly, and Lectio Divina was back. What is Lectio Divina? Scripture helps us to become closer to God and to have a living relationship with Him. But it also helps our fellowship with our Christian family. Just as Jesus shared the scriptures with His disciples, we can share with each other. So this method of prayer works really well with a group as well as individually. Lectio Divina encompasses the Holy Trinity and our Christian family. Lectio Divina consists of four elements: Reading (lectio) Reflection (meditatio) Response (oratio) Rest (contemplatio) It is a way of praying through the scriptures with the hope and trust that God will open His words to us and enables us to let go of our personal preconceptions and listen for God. Practice Make sure the space that you are using is quiet and comfortable and that the prayer time will not be disturbed. A candle may be lit or a cross might be held. Have a Bible ready. If you are praying as part of a group use the same translation. Consider the time needed for this to be beneficial. At first, being in silence feels rather strange as we are so used to the noise and quick pace of the world around us, but this strangeness soon becomes comfortable and reassuring. Try it yourself Reading Read it. Slowly, aloud, savour each word. Read it again! Read it with your eyes, read it with your mind, read it with your heart. Open yourself up to God. Reflection Close your eyes. Take some deep breaths. Take time to digest, to savour, to cogitate. Contemplate. What is God saying to you through this passage? Is there a word or a phrase that has grabbed your attention? Is there a word or phrase that you haven’t noticed before? Has it moved you? Take note of the emotions that you are feeling. Are you overwhelmed by anything? Are you questioning anything? Response Pray this passage. Ask God for His guidance. Ask for the Holy Spirit for the gift of insight and understanding. Ask Jesus to walk with you as you journey through these words. Pray for understanding of the significance of the word or phrase that really stood out. Does it have some personal significance in life at the moment? Pray for clarity. Is God allowing for a deeper understanding of His word? If so, why? Prayer can help to discover what part God wants us to play in His work. Rest Take some time to rest. Some time just to be still. This is a time to let go of all thoughts and words. The absence of all thought is not an emptiness, rather it is a fullness obtained when completely in God’s presence. It is a stillness within the heart and soul, a moment of complete calm and acceptance of all that the prayer might have brought. The benefits of Lectio Divina Lectio Divina encourages conscious engagement with silence and personal reflection on the scriptures read. It opens up the space, and heart and soul, to the richness of God’s spirit and voice, allowing for a confident reading. Inviting God to be in the space as the Scripture is read helps to really centre your mind on what was read and to connect with it on a much deeper level. Unlike studying the Bible on an intellectual level, Lectio Divina is a great way to allow ourselves to let go of our own agendas and to be completely open to God’s voice and guidance. It is a profoundly peaceful practice and deeply personal. Having practiced it as a group, it is interesting to note that we had each taken something different away, having heard God’s voice in our own individual way, speaking to our individual circumstances and prayer. I would encourage every Christian to try Lectio Divina and connect with God on a personal, deep level feeling the Holy Spirit working through you. By Elaine Shanks
On 8th March a small group of us went on the annual spring outing. The weather was glorious and definitely T shirt weather after a week of rain and fog. We stopped off first at St Mary’s lighthouse. I was extremely excited to find that there were seals basking in the sunshine on the rocks below the lighthouse. I would have happily stayed there to watch the seals all day. The others wanted to explore the lighthouse though and I optimistically bought a ticket to climb to the top and see the view. I should have remembered I have a severe fear of heights. The vicar and Joan bravely tackled the spiral staircase to the top and were rewarded with spectacular views. Sadly, the vicar didn’t use the bucket and spade he brought along. There were plenty of children already playing on the beach. We went for lunch in the old Spanish City which was rather expensive and had a mishap losing our order. It gave us a good chance to chat though. After lunch we split up and we went to a wonderful second-hand bookshop where I bought more books than I probably should have. We met up with Joan for delicious homemade cake in a local patisserie and then it was sadly time to go home. We had a wonderful break by the seaside - what’s not to like at the beginning of the sunny spring weather? Next time I will definitely take my bucket and spade.
Dear All, 2024 was another busy year in the life of St Paul’s. We began the year by welcoming the Rev’d Alan Milne to assist in the ministry in our church. Alan is the retired Vicar of Murton. In February we entered the season of Lent and welcomed the Rev’d David Goodacre back to the parish to preach for us. David was the Vicar of St Paul’s in the 1970s. In March we took a parish outing to the Faith Museum at Auckland Castle which was enjoyed by all. Our friend Rev’d David Kennedy also returned to St Paul’s to preach throughout Holy Week. As ever, we were inspired by his wisdom and humour. We also made the decision to restore the wine during Holy Communion at Easter. It’s great to have servers back in the sanctuary to assist with the service. April saw the commencement of a new partnership and ministry: the introduction of a monthly Holy Communion service at Bede House Care Home. Our link with the Care Home has been fruitful since it opened. In June our Church Shop celebrated its 10th birthday. We marked the occasion with a special service of Evensong during which volunteers were thanked for their dedication and hard work. In many ways, the shop is the jewel in our crown and it serves the parish during the hours when the church is closed. The beginning of July was special for St Paul’s and the people of Ryhope generally in that we all boarded buses and made the journey to Beamish for the opening of the restored Grand Cinema. We were delighted to watch a film about Ryhope featuring St Paul’s and it was great that Ryhope Choir (who meet in our church) were fully involved in the celebrations. Things continued to be busy after the Summer. We appointed new Artists in Residence who began work on our 2025 Calendar and we convened for a Bible study on the Book of Daniel, led by the Rev’d Dr David Bryan, another new friend of the parish. Elaine Shanks was also accepted for training as an Authorized Lay Minister of the Word. One of our most notable events was the dedication of a World War 2 Memorial Plaque in November. This had been lost from Ryhope Grammar School before being returned to the parish in recent years. We were delighted to be able to use a copy of the original dedication service from 1949, ably assisted by Ryhope Choir. A great night was had by all. We concluded our year with a Christmas concert from our friends at the NASUWT Brass Band and a pantomime from our friends at Theatre Space North East. I really feel that our church is loved and valued within our community. We have great support at key times in the year, at our Summer and Christmas Fayres, on Mothering Sunday and Remembrance Sunday and throughout the Christmas season. It’s at these times that we especially feel the benefit of our links with our local schools. We’re also blessed with the presence of a good number of young people in the congregation, filling us with hope for the future. We were able to present a bumper number of candidates for Confirmation in the Summer, all of whom make a vital contribution to the life of our church. As ever, the work of the Church depends on the generosity of our parishioners, in money and in time. Special thanks must be made to our Churchwarden, Treasurer, Secretary, Magazine Editor, PCC members, organists, vergers, cleaners, readers, flower ladies and all else who give so freely of themselves to make things happen. It is a great privilege for me to serve you as your vicar. Sadly, the passing of another year also entails the passing of parishioners and friends. In 2024 we said a fond farewell to Ella Graham, a dedicated member of our congregation for many years. In recent weeks we have also lost Peter Hedley and Miriam Gregson. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. Your friend and vicar, David.
Dear All, Why do we call Good Friday good? It certainly wasn’t good for Jesus. In fact, he sweated blood the day before it, in anticipation of it. But that was nothing in comparison with the horrors of the day itself. This is how it unfolded: After midnight, on Friday morning he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was betrayed by his friend Judas. The rest of the disciples ran away. Between 4am and 6am he was bound and taken to Annas and Caiaphas the High Priests. Peter followed close behind but denied that he ever knew Jesus when questioned. Between 6am and 8am he was tried by Pontius Pilate. He was mocked and scourged, and a crown of thorns was placed on his head. Barabbas the robber was released instead of him. At 9am he was crucified. The nails driven into his hands and feet made any movement excruciating. The charge over him read ‘The King of the Jews.’ Between 9am and 12 noon the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing while the passers by and religious leaders mocked him. He was also mocked by the criminals being crucified alongside him. At 3pm Jesus gave a last cry and died. A lance pierced his side to prove he was dead. The crowds left the scene beating their breasts at the misery of it all. The day was a victory for all who hated Jesus. If the story had ended there that day can only have been called Bad Friday. However, there was a sequel that no one expected which changed everything. That sequel was Easter. Because of Easter the bad things that happened on that day took on a new light. They could be seen as the lengths that God would go to for love. That was how that Friday became Good. Easter shows us the limits of betrayal, mocking, violence and death. They cannot exceed the extent of the love of God. They did their worst on Good Friday and could not prevail. The Resurrection of Jesus defeated them all. That means that there is nothing to fear on the days when Good Friday comes to us. The presence of Jesus will be with us. The light of the Resurrection will cast away our darkness. Lord, bring us through the darkness to the light of your Resurrection. Your friend and vicar, David.
