A Catholic Layman Prays Hebrew Scripture: Applying Lectio Divina in the Spirit of Saint Benedict

By Luke Amato

Can a Catholic layman, after READING Hebrew Scripture, dare to REFLECT UPON, RESPOND IN PRAYER & FORM SOUND RESOLUTIONS? One of Jewish faith may well have very different concepts. Certainly, we’re grateful for mutual sharing the following: faith in the One True G-d, Hebrew Scripture, Abraham’s Blessing, Ten Commandments, Prophets, Holy Land & a shared eternal destiny. Being a layman raises another question: Can one who has not studied Scripture derive real benefit? Well, besides rabbis, G-d inspired some rather ordinary people to write His Word, including farmers, tree dressers, shepherds, warriors, & slaves. In addition to the literal meaning of their words, aren’t there lessons for all of us about our behavior, trust, & eternal goals? This writer proposes that we can deepen these shared experiences by praying Scripture together, especially the Psalms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9781387755844

Book preview

A Catholic Layman Prays Hebrew Scripture: Applying Lectio Divina in the Spirit of Saint Benedict

A CATHOLIC LAYMAN PRAYS HEBREW SCRIPTURE

Applying

LECTIO DIVINA

In the spirit of

SAINT BENEDICT

by

Luke Amato

Copyright © 2017:

Luke Amato, O.F.S.

[e-mail]

ISBN #:

978-1-387-75584-4

Content ID:

22800823

All rights reserved:

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

References to Hebrew Scripture:

Jerusalem Bible

Exception:

Out of respect for our Orthodox Jewish brethren, the Holy Name is not fully printed, but is instead rendered as G-d. We apologize for any failure on our part to omit the  full spelling.

"G-D,

TEACH

US

TO

PRAY."

Introduction

It is strongly recommended that one prayerfully read a section from Holy Scripture daily,  applying the   Lectio Divina   method of prayer as taught by Saint Benedict.  But, how can the author, layman that he is, dare to presume that he can understand Hebrew Scripture, much less pray it?

Certainly, we will be forever indebted to our Scripture scholars, both Jewish and Catholic, who have dedicated their lives to its study.  In no way, does the author pretend that laymen can ever compete with their scholarly contributions.

However, look at the men and  women that G-d chose to inspire to write His Word.  Besides scholarly rabbis, there were farmers, tree dressers, fishermen, shepherds, soldiers, slaves, artists, tent makers and  even a dreaded tax collector.

Aren’t there matters which each of them want to teach us?  Do they not speak from perspectives and situations with which we