Praying the Bible

The Second Vatican Council stated: "All . . . should immerse themselves in the Scriptures by constant spiritual reading and diligent study. . . ." The Church is still far from adequately carrying out those words, but recent years have seen a revival of interest in the Bible. During that revival, both the knowledge and the practice of lectio divina have become more widespread. In Praying the Bible Mariano Magrassi reintroduces us to this practice of prayerful reading of the word of God which is our heritage.

With his vast knowledge of the Fathers and medieval monastic writers, Archbishop Magrassi synthesizes the unique and extraordinary experience of lectio divina. What is it? What are its key ideas? What are the necessary personal dispositions? What are the steps by which prayed reading is transformed into genuine contemplation? In Praying the Bible Magrassi answers these questions, providing a discussion that contains a healthy challenge and an invitation to grow.

Chapters are "Liturgical Proclamation and Lectio Sacra," "Lectio Divina: Meaning of the Term," "Lectio Divina: Key Ideas," "Lectio Divina: Concrete Dispositions," "Lectio Divina: Four Acts," and "The Ancient 'Conference' and the Modern Review of Life."

Archbishop Mariano Magrassi, O.S.B. (1930-2004), was born in Tortona, Italy. Ordained in 1953, he made his monastic profession in 1954, became abbot of the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria della Scala in Noci in 1972, and archbishop of Bari in 1977. He held a doctorate in theology, a licentiate in Scripture, and received an honorary doctorate in liturgy. In his many writings, he brings his knowledge of theology and Scripture to bear on the mystery of the liturgy, where his life as a monk, theologian, and pastor found its unity.