Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Spiritual reading

Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 6): Contemplate Upon It

August 30, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Contemplation is when the mind is in some sort lifted up to God and held above itself, so that it tastes the joys of everlasting sweetness.” That is Guigo II (d. 1188) talking about the fourth and final step of lectio divina, the spiritual reading of Scripture. In his classic little book he compares the process to […]

Filed Under: Bible, Prayer, Theology Tagged With: Bible, Guigo II, Lectio divina, Scripture, Spiritual reading

Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 4): Meditate On It

August 15, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Raise your hand if the word “meditation” brings to mind images of someone trying to empty their mind of every thought. Okay, how many of you think of “meditation” as repeating a mantra — a secret word in a language you don’t actually understand? What about option three: When you hear “meditation” how many of […]

Filed Under: Bible, Prayer Tagged With: Christian meditation, Guigo II, Lectio divina, Reading the Bible, Spiritual reading

Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 3): Read It

August 7, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

The subtitle here is not a snarky Nike-influenced oversimplification: “Just read it.” No. I am referring to the first step of the process in medieval monastic spiritual reading, the foundation of “lectio divina.” Simply reading the Bible, opening at Genesis and pressing on to Revelation, is an excellent practice, of course, though a challenging one for many. But that is […]

Filed Under: Bible, Prayer Tagged With: Guigo II, Ladder of Monks, Lectio divina, Sacred reading, Spiritual reading

Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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Find out how it can be a joy again--or maybe for the first time. Love Your Bible: Finding Your Way to the Presence of God with a 12th Century Monk is a modern introduction to an ancient, prayerful, Christian practice called lectio divina. Click the button to subscribe to my weekly(ish) newsletter with all my new articles and announcements. As my way of thanking you, I'll send you the ebook version for free.

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