Slow down and learn practical approaches to a sustained conversation with God from Ritual's Daily Lectio Divina leader Kathleen A. Cahalan.
The ancient practice of lectio divina has attracted believers for centuries, but many struggle with getting started or are unsure if they are doing it “wrong.” In Pressing In On the Word of God, Kathleen Cahalan offers engaging stories of her personal lectio experience—rooted in a historical, theological, and practical approach—to draw us closer to the word, to listen, and respond.
Lectio divina is a long conversation with God that can be experienced through a sacred encounter, a biblical text, and creation. In Pressing In On the Word of God, Cahalan suggests accessible guidelines for the reader’s practice. In addition to the popular approach of Guigo II (multiple readings of the text), she explores other forms of lectio divina: following the lectionary, memorization, reciting short arrow prayers, and sustained reading of a text over time. Framing lectio as a practice of discernment, Cahalan invites readers to delve into the encounter of reading, listening, and repeating the word so that it may become our primary consciousness, replacing our self-talk with Christ Consciousness.
Product Preview
| Format: | Paperback book |
|---|---|
| Product code: | LP02928 |
| Dimensions: | 5" x 8" |
| Length: | 288 pages |
| Publisher: |
Liturgical Press
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| ISBN: | 9798400802928 |
| 1-2 copies | $21.95 each |
|---|---|
| 3-9 copies | $20.95 each |
| 10-49 copies | $19.96 each |
| 50-99 copies | $19.46 each |
| 100+ copies | $18.71 each |
Praise
“In the ecosystem of the post-Conciliar spirituality, the ancient practice of lectio divina is surely one of the unearthed treasures that can flow out of our liturgical spirituality and feed back into it, as well as be sustaining private practice. Kathleen Cahalan does a masterful job of exposing the many facets of this form of prayer for anyone interested in deepening their spiritual life through a vibrant relationship with the Word of God.”
“The fruit of a long career of study, teaching, and personal prayer, Kathleen Cahalan’s Pressing In On the Word of God is a comprehensive introduction to prayer with Scripture. Beginning with reflection on a story from her own experience, Cahalan shows the reader how Scripture itself was created. She places contextual study of the Word in relationship with the goal of prayer and then leads the reader through myriad examples of how to engage in different kinds of prayer with the Word. Drawing on theological reflection skills she has honed, the author skillfully demonstrates how to interact with text, life, Scripture, and nature. These are the smart reflections of a well-integrated guide. Her personal way of communicating makes this book a warm, contemplative read, but Cahalan is also a consummate pastoral educator, and writes helpfully about the development of the lectionary, principles of Scripture study, and the changes of Vatican II. The author provides a beautiful example of how by following these practices, one can become permeated with the Word.”
“Both the theory and practice of lectio divina are well known today. What Kathleen Cahalan’s book offers is a deeply personal account of how this practice can have a creative impact on the whole of life, drawing from everyday experience and helping to contextualize it in a prayerful life. This will be for many readers an intelligent, well-informed, and practical guide to lectio divina.”
“This is a remarkable and timely book that offers both a scholarly and highly readable analysis of this ancient contemplative practice. Cahalan provides the kind of genuine insight and creative wisdom that can only come from a career dedicated to both the teaching and practice of Christian spirituality. I would recommend this book not only to those working in the field of spirituality and their students but to all those seeking enriched insight and practical guidance for a deeper life of meditation, contemplation, and prayer.”
“Kathleen Cahalan approaches Lectio Divina with vulnerability, wisdom, and spiritual depth–the hallmarks of her beloved practice of daily Lectio on the Ritual app. In this new book, Kathleen explores how Scripture, creation, and our own life experience can serve as the foundations for an ongoing conversation with God. Whether you've practiced Lectio for years or you're curious about how an ancient practice can help you stay grounded in modern life, this book is an essential guide.”
“Kathleen Cahalan taught me everything I know about lectio divina. What a gift to have her guide to this life-changing practice that we can all share! Kathleen’s theological experience, embodied practice, practical perspectives, and deep wisdom make Pressing In On The Word of God the definitive book on lectio—for beginners, enthusiasts, and lifelong practitioners alike. This book will become a classic on praying with Scripture: the contemporary companion we need to embrace the ancient, life-changing practice of lectio. Press in without delay to bring Kathleen's wisdom into your daily prayer.”
Author
Kathleen A. Cahalan is professor emeritus of practical theology at Saint John’s University School of Theology and Seminary where she taught courses on pastoral ministry, pastoral care, and spiritual practice. She is co-author with Laura Kelly Fanucci of Called on the Way: The Daily Practice of Discipleship (Liturgical Press, 2024); author of Stories We Live: Finding God’s Calling All around Us (Eerdmans, 2017), and co-editor with Bonnie Miller-McLemore of Calling All Years Good: Vocation across the Lifespan (Eerdmans, 2017), and other titles. She has led numerous retreats on lectio divina and discernment and leads Daily Lectio on the Ritual app.
