Book Review: Lectio Divina Bible Study: Sacraments

Lectio Divina has been a desire of my heart for several years now, but with kids and a busy household, I've found it trying to say the least.  Knowing that Stephen J. Binz has written wonderful books about our Catholic faith with endorsements from the likes of newly promoted Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Wuerl of DC, and Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans, also the Chair of the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship, I found his book "Lectio Divina Bible Study: Sacraments" unavoidable.

Lectio Divina is the form of prayer that consists of reading scripture slowly and meditating upon the Words grasping the meaning personal to the reader. Listening and understanding God's message during a time spent with Him reading the scriptures is a beautiful way of bonding with God.  It takes some dedication and direction for those of us in whirlwind busy households, but under Mr. Binz's guidance, it's easy!  I personally enjoyed and gleaned much from his reflections

The book is broken down into six sections from the Sacramental work of Christ in His Church, the Initiation Sacraments, Eucharist, the sacraments of healing and the sacraments at the Service of Communion.  In each section, Mr. Binz  selects biblical reading pertinent to the topic, then breaks down the scripture into these five sections of contemplation: Listening, Understanding, Reflecting, praying, and acting.  I'm so glad he encourages the reader to mark up the pages as much as we need; going through this book, I used 2 highlighters!

Lectio Divina Bible Study: The Sacraments in Scripture" is a great addition to one's library and it is geared toward individual AND group study, so you can bring this to your parish and study it as a group!  I fully endorse and encourage my readers to get this book and use it, it will be a treasure for your spiritual life.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Lectio Divina Bible Study: Sacraments. They are also a great source for a baptism gifts or first communion gifts.