Audio Divina, which means sacred listening, is a music-assisted contemplative prayer practice designed for contemporary spiritual seekers. Designed by Mary Terry Rankin, Audio Divina combines music therapy principles and Lectio Divina (sacred reading), an ancient Christian prayer form that includes silent reflection on small sections of scripture. Audio Divina is available for purchase on CD in several different lengths, allowing for short or long sessions of contemplative prayer.
According to the Audio Divina website, carefully selected music has the power to deepen contemplative prayer or meditation. Audio Divina music programs are designed to enhance the experience of sacred silence. Appropriate music is programmed into a pattern of sound and silence that facilitates a receptivity to divine encounter. This self-guided listening practice offers a quality of silence that can be nourishing for body, mind, and spirit.
“Mary’s gift (Audio Divina) to me was found in the orderly framework yet the wide open invitation to meet with God in such a powerfully beautiful way. I love prayer encounters and this was a bright new experience in meeting with God. I highly recommend entering this rich method of prayer, sharing it, and enjoying it together in community as well.” -Lorie Martin, minister, retreat leader, spiritual director, and author of 'Invited Simple Prayer Exercises for Solitude and Community”, Abbotsford, BC, Canada
Sensitive music listening is a tool that can help revive one’s ability to listen in silent prayer.The only requirement to use Audio Divina successfully as a prayer/meditation practice is a willingness to sit quietly for approximately twenty minutes while listening to the pre-prepared music program. This practice is effective for beginning a prayer discipline, or for deepening a well-established prayer practice. Audio Divina CDs may also be used by those in ministry who wish to share a new framework with their clients, congregations or small groups in a Bible Study, retreat or prayer circle setting.
“The benefits of contemplative silence can be accessible to all people through the simple act of listening to carefully selected music. While all spiritual disciplines require perseverance, the perseverance required here is that of surrendering to the music, allowing it to carry the self toward its Source.” -Mary T. Rankin, Blaine, WA
Mary Terry Rankin holds a Masters Degree in Counseling and a Masters Degree in Theological Studies. She is a spiritual director with a background in music therapy (The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music). Rankin has been a retreat leader and a director of small group ministries for years, and currently serves as co-director of Stillpoint at Beckside spiritual retreat center in Bellingham, WA. Mary developed Audio Divina (Sacred Listening) in 2003 while completing a post-graduate degree at Vancouver School of Theology. She is the author of "Audio Divina: Introducing a Contemplative Practice for Contemporary Times" (Journal of the Association for Music and Imagery, Vol. 9, 2003-2004), and “Audio Divina: Introducing a Musical Aid for Spiritual Direction” (Presence, an international journal for spiritual direction Vol.15, NO.2, June 2009).
To order an Audio Divina program, send check or money order for $24.00 to Mary Rankin , P.O. Box 544 , Blaine, WA 98230. The fee includes shipping and handling; please include mailing address and contact phone or email. For more information about the program, contact Mary Rankin via email.
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