The Catholic Prayer Bible: Lectio Divina Edition (NRSV)

This is a wonderful idea for a Bible. True, it's not, strictly speaking, true Lectio Divina, but it's definitely a starting place. What I find is that the readings and reflections given for each Bible passage inspire me to further reflection beyond the ideas suggested, and so I can say, this book does help lead me into lectio divina. Throughout the text are boxes containing a reading that introduces you to the text to be read, followed by further thoughts under the titles "Reflect," "Pray," and "Act." I did not realize that there was a box for every part of the Bible, but there is! I like the way there is a lot of white space on the page, which is easy on the eye. I also love the illustrations at the beginning of each book of the Bible. They look like wood block prints, and illustrate a theme from the book. The pages are gilded, the bonded leather cover is good quality, and two ribbon markers are included. I use these in the most obvious way-- one for an Old Testament reading and one for a New Testament reading-- though I am also reading slowly through the book of Psalms and use a holy card to mark my place in that section. I find that this book makes it easier for me to slowly reflect on the Bible and make sense of confusing or obscure passages in a way that a "commentary" does not. Bible commentaries have their place in offering historic background, translation variations, information, etc. But when my goal is prayerful communion with God through reflecting on His word, it's not information I need, but insight. There's a difference. And so this book helps me slow down and reflect, giving me a little help through the read/reflect/pray/act boxes but not so much "information" that it distracts me from prayer. One thing I need to mention is that this is the New Revised Standard Version-- not my favorite translation. It greatly simplifies some words/passages to an unnecessary degree (we ordinary lay people can and do understand big words or theological terms!) and also uses inclusive language to a degree that can sometimes alter the meaning of the text and can even be grammatically incorrect. The obvious example is Matthew 4:19 when Jesus is calling His first disciples. The RSV reads: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." The NRSV reads: "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." It almost sounds like the disciples are going to be made into fish to be consumed by people. At the very least, it's an awkward attempt to avoid using the word "men" and assumes the average reader can't figure out what "fishers" means. I could give many similar examples. "Libation" is translated as "drink offering," for example. It kind of blunts the reading and makes it a little less poetic. The introductory chapter by Lawrence Boadt, CSP, "Discovering Lectio Divina Through Scripture," gives some helpful hints on how to grasp the book more adequately. Some of these suggestions, however, might have been incorporated into the book. For example, he suggests that we "know the major divisions of the books, namely the Pentateuch, the Historical books, the Psalms and Wisdom Literature, and the prophets; if we try to recall what makes each group different, we are well on our way." I wish he had included a couple of sentences about each group for just this purpose. He also suggests that the reader "try to get a sense of a simple timeline for as many books as you can remember so that you can distinguish what is earlier from what is later." Again, a simple timeline could have been included. As I said, I do not want to approach Lectio Divina as "Bible Study," so those aids that Fr. Boadt recommends would have been nice additions to the book and would help in my understanding without making a research project out of it. That said, I find myself turning to this Bible again and again. It's wonderful for use in the Adoration Chapel. It really encourages me to use the Bible for prayer and meditation rather than simply reading it through. Sometimes I will dwell on just a short passage for a long time, or spend several days with the same psalm. Great idea for a Bible!

Well, th least to say is that I freaking love this Bible. I was expecting a guided prayer around a key verse or passage every 10 pages but this has blown that expectation out of the park! This bible bases its lectio divina on entire passage In context On every page which helps structure my prayer life in the context of Scripture. I have only flipped through as it was just delivered but so far every page has at least one the guided reading block. This bible is good choice for beginners in lectio divina and those who want to read Scripture in manageable chunks without getting overwhelmed or discouraged. There is guidance and notes to help keep a flow and focus on the passage. This bible is formatted primarily in single column with the guided meditation on the side margin though at times a section is put in two columns which is the one thing I am not liking as it comes off as visually jarring but it is tolerable This is so much better than many topical & devotional bibles I have owned that bases its guided inspirations around cherry picked verses with little to no context around them.

Great Bible to help a person grow in praying the Scriptures in the Lectio Divina Method. Now, mind you, if you are more traditionally minded Roman Catholic, then I suggest a Bible from Ignatius Press, because the commentary in this Bible will only raise your blood pressure. But if you are not and think how does my secular day to day life meet up with the Bible, then this Bible is for you. Mind you that the paper is a bit thin, but it is a nice font. Plus as mention the reflection questions will help you to grow to see the world around you with a deeper biblical perspective. So if you are a Spiritual Seeking Secularist or a regular person wondering if there is a link between your prayer life and your day to day job, then this Bible is definitely for you! Thanks.

Wife and I are doing a bible study and this version of the Bible is perfect. Gives things to think about while reading. In addition the size of the words are large enough to read easily

Fr Lawrence Boadt wrote a book about Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction; Second Edition that served as a deep beginner guide for Christians who wanted some context into those books, without too much commentary. Towards the end of his life, he became the author of even shorter contexts to both testaments of the scripture and added them to this Bible. He took the time to write context, reflection, prayer and action steps for every page in this book. That’s why the title includes “Lectio Divina.” Some pages include two of these compositions. The value of this for someone encountering the entire Bible for the first time cannot be overstated. Having just enough context to each psalm, to each chapter in Job, to the genealogies, and the teachings of Jesus help a person like me who is trying to finish the entire Bible in my old age. I can almost picture Father Boadt, facing each chapter every day and coming up with those reflections, prayers and suggested actions to take. What a task! I, for one, am so glad he finished it. This is the Bible to own for the amateur scripture reader who also wants to pray while reading.

I collect Bibles and this Bible by far is amazing. It is an awesome teaching tool. It is written in today's language and the print is so easy to read. This bible is very close to my side. I recommend this bible to all teachers and students.

I am using this Bible for the Christian formation ans love this book. It is clear and great to read.

Ya contaba con la edición en español de La Biblia del Peregrino con Lectio Divina, que compré también aquí en Amazon, pero quería cotejarla con la obra original en inglés y la verdad no me equivoqué, es una delicia poder profundizar en la Palabra de Dios con los pasos o etapas de la Lectura Orante, vale mucho la pena, la recomiendo ampliamente.

As someone who has recently converted to Catholicism, I was intrigued by lectio divina and also needed a new Catholic Bible. I'm absolutely delighted with it!! It has ample space for notes on certain pages and adequate space in others. It comes complete with 2 ribbon markers and the reflective notes are really thought provoking. Cannot recommend this Bible enough!

Excellent bible. It explains some passages and gives suggestions on prayers to ponder. The print is easy to read as well. It is truly and excellent prayer bible.