Lectio Poetica

I just presented in class tonight on the film Dead Poets Society, and the place of poetry in the church. In preparation for the presentation, I read an article by Thomas Frank, “We're Going to Read Poetry in This Class?” (Teaching Theology and Religion, vol 8 no 1, 2005: pp 47-50). Frank reads poems to his students in his church administration classes at Candler School of Theology. In the article, he outlines his method, which I've named "Lectio Poetica" because it reminded me of Lectio Divina, a slow, repetitious, prayerful reading of scripture.

I tried Lectio Poetica with a poem in class tonite, and it worked out to be even more like Lectio Divina than I expected. After my experiment, I can see this method being carried out in more seminary class rooms, in Sunday school, in retreats, meetings, or even worship.

Three points are worth mentioning. 1) The poem that is read need not be a religious work; in fact, a poem that does not speak of faith at all may be the best choice for this meditative reading. I used "The Dream" by Naomi Shihab Nye for my first trial run of this method. 2) This model may be followed for personal use as well. 3) I have not considered this yet, but the four basic movements of Lectio Divina --Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, Contemplatio-- may prove useful in Lectio Poetica.

Here's the Lectio Poetica method as I've adapted it from Frank.

Lectio Poetica: Reading Poetry in Class (or Church)

1. Read the poem out loud twice.


2. Project the poem on a screen, or hand out the poem on paper, leaving a moment of silence.


3. The initial reader may comment on what strikes them in the poem.


4. Invite reflection from the group, silent or spoken.