8,000 youth gather in a sports arena to learn the ancient practice of Lectio Divina as part of World Youth Day in Madrid.

“In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

The voice of Jeannie Bross-Judge rang out to nearly 8,000 young people who attended World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid. Gathered at the Palacio de Deportes, a home for English speaking pilgrims, they learned about lectio divina, a method of praying with the Scriptures.

American Bible Society presented the evening on lectio divina as part of its national Scripture engagement movement, Uncover the Word™. Uncover mobilizes people everywhere to move together toward a fresh discovery of God and his Word so they can personally transform into the likeness of Christ and positively affect culture.

In concert with renowned Catholic musicians and 150 candle bearers from the dioceses of Colorado Springs, St. Paul/Minneapolis, Baltimore and New Orleans, ABS presented the five steps of lectio divina.

To begin the program, attendees invoked the Holy Spirit, as musician John Angotti sang, “Veni Creator Spiritus/Come Holy Spirit.” The arena swelled with the sound of 8,000 voices, calling on the Holy Spirit to fill and inspire their hearts. When the song ended, a hush fell.

Beginning with Step 1, lectio or reading, the workshop leader said, “We read Scripture tonight not because we want a history lesson or simply out of curiosity. We read it because it's the Word of God and the Word impacts our lives.”

A passage from Mark 16.14-20 was read slowly, and participants were asked to listen and to begin to analyze what was happening in the story. Who are the characters? What are they doing? Where does this take place?

Attendees were then invited to read the passage silently in the Scripture Portion of the Gospel of Mark, which ABS provided to attendees. “As you read the text silently, be aware of a word or phrase that jumps out at you and sticks with you,” the workshop leader said. A rustle was heard as attendees pulled out their Scripture Portions and began reading quietly.

After a few minutes, participants were instructed to think about a phrase that touched them in the passage. This is Step 2, meditatio or meditation. What is God saying and revealing to me? How does this impact me and my life?

As attendees pondered this, musician Jesse Manibusan began to sing, “Open My Eyes.” Again, 8,000 young voices joined in unison, asking the Lord to open their eyes, ears and hearts to the power of his love.

After the song, attendees learned about Step 3, oratio or prayer. Participants were told to have a loving conversation with God and were given several minutes of silence to do so.

The Litany of the Saints was chanted, after which participants learned about Step 4, contemplatio or contemplation. “Contemplation is a gift from God to be given in God's time,” the workshop leader said. “It requires deep, deep listening.” Participants were urged to spend a few minutes in silence to hear God's still, quiet voice.

Then the final step of lectio, actio or action, was introduced. “We need to be alive with God's Word, as we have seen it alive here in Madrid,” said the workshop leader, who asked attendees to talk to each other about how God is asking them to live out the Word they just heard.

The program concluded with the hymn “Unidos” led by Jesse Manibusan. During this final hymn, everyone began clapping, singing, waving flags and joyfully expressing their love for the Lord.

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