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Following the contemplative rhythm of Lectio Divina
Moving from Attentive Reading (Lectio)
To Reflection (Meditatio)
To Prayerful Response (Oratio)
And finally into Silent Resting in God (Contemplatio)
Grappling With Divinity invites a slow unfolding of Scripture, Spiritual Wisdom, and Lived Experience.
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Oratio: Pulled Up By Grace
How can a sinnerlike mebe the recipientof such mercyas thisoh how far downI have goneinto the depths of selfishnessand despairI stood thereknocking at the gates of Sheoljust to be pulled up by graceinto the light of lovethe balm that heals all woundsboth caused and received ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: Sacrifice And Joy
“It is the law of this life: sacrifice and joy go side by side.” ~St. Elizabeth of the Trinity
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Oratio: As He Has Given
The gifts of the Spiritare meant to be sharedthe Lord hoards nothingkeeps nothing to HimselfHis love overflowsin and through usthat we may love othersas He loves usgiving of ourselvesas He has given Himself to usevery heartbeat a blessingevery breath an opportunityto accept and express Christ ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: Never Stop Singing
“Nature is the one song of praise that never stops singing.” ~Richard Rohr
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Oratio: Grafted To Christ
Grafted to Christthe true vineHis Spiritprunes awaythat within mewhich does not serveHis purposethat through HimI may bearthe fruits of love ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: Thank You
“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”~Meister Eckhart
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Oratio: If It Is True
If it is truethat God is with me nowwhere have I to bebesides herewhat have I to fearif it is truethat God is in me nowwhat could I possibly lackwho have I to bebesides His beloved childif it is truewhat could be more truethan God with meGod in menow ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: Intimate Healing
“The surprising thing is that the intimate healing spirituality brings into our lives, is hidden in the muck and the mire of the very things about ourselves we wish weren’t true.” ~James Finley
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Oratio: This Will Pass
Demons convulsewithin memaking my heart restlessstirring my mind with fearI know this will passI know it is a liebut it feels like foreverlike this pain will never endease this sufferingtake this cup from megive me rest in you Lordmake my burden lightI will not break faith ~Robert Van Valkenburgh
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Lectio: Desire For God Alone
“For I tell you this: one loving, blind desire for God alone is more valuable in itself, more pleasing to God and to the saints, more beneficial to your own growth, and more helpful to your friends, both living and dead, than anything else you could do.” ~The Cloud Of Unknowing
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Layer by Layer: How God Frees Us From the Darkness We Cling To (Lectio Divina)
What does it really mean to be born again — not once, but continually, layer by layer? Drawing on Henri Nouwen’s reflection on spiritual rebirth in Discernment, this Lectio Divina explores why conversion is often painful rather than joyful: because we cling to the very darkness that drove us to God, refusing to release what…
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What We Love We Shall Grow to Resemble: On Love, Forgiveness, and the Soul’s Formation (Lectio Divina)
What we love, we shall grow to resemble. Drawing on Bernard of Clairvaux, the Dhammapada, the Sermon on the Mount, and Paul’s letter to the Romans, this Lectio Divina meditation traces the quiet logic of the soul’s formation through its own outpouring. It is not what is done to us that damages the soul, but…
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Lie Down, Be Still: The Gift of Sabbath Rest in Christ (Lectio Divina)
In this Lectio Divina reflection, Robert Van Valkenburgh begins with a friend’s confession that his life feels like a hamster on a wheel — spinning under the weight of obligations, responsibilities, and everyone else’s needs and agendas. From this honest moment of recognition, the post moves into a meditation on Sabbath not as idleness but…
