L5 Classwork: Mar. 16, 17 &18 Family Lectio Divina Activity

 

(Pic from freebibleimages.com shared by lumoproject.com)

Dear Parents,

The Gospel reading  presents an opportunity to introduce the traditional practice of Lectio Divina to students. Lectio Divina means divine reading. Through this method of reading the Holy Scripture we can reflect in a way that allows us to hear the message that God is trying to reveal to us. (prayer and questions adapted from Lectio Divina for Little Ones by Kimberly Fries)

Arrange a prayer space before you begin that includes The Bible and a crucifix.

Make the Sign of the Cross with your child.
Call upon the Holy Spirit by praying:

"Come Holy Spirit! Help us to listen carefully to the Sacred Scriptures, not only with my ears, but with my heart!

LECTIO: 
Begin by reading the scripture passage, The Feeding of Five Thousand, (in the Scripture section on pages 244 of the Alive in Christ L5 textbook), twice. After the first read-through, ask your child what is going on in the story. During the second read-through, ask your child to write down a word or draw an image that comes to mind during the story.

MEDITATIO:
The next step is to meditate or think about what the word of God is saying. Ask your child: How did the parts of the story that you noticed make you feel? What would it be like if you could be in the story? Which character would you be? Does the scripture story make you feel loved? Does the scripture story make you love God more? Is God trying to teach you something in the passage?

ORATIO:
This part of Lectio Divina is about prayer. Ask your child what he/she can say in response to God's word. Ask: "What questions do you have for God about this story?"
Thank God for this story and the message of this story.

CONTEMPLATIO:
The is the contemplation part of Lectio Divina.  Consider how God is trying to change hearts through this passage.
Ask: "What is God speaking to your heart from the story?" Use discussion questions from page 244. "How did Jesus feed the crowd? How does Jesus feed us today?"

Thank Jesus in prayer.
Make the Sign of the Cross with your child.

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