Lectio Divina

Welcome to a unique way to encounter the word of God and God in His word. On this page you will find some information on the monastic practice of Reading Divine Scripture.

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Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of reading the Bible. It dates back to the early centuries of the Christian Church and was established as a monastic practice by Benedict in the 6th century. It is a way of praying the scriptures that leads us deeper into God’s word. We slow down. We read a short passage more than once. We chew it over slowly and carefully. We savor it. Scripture begins to speak to us in a new way. It speaks to us personally, and aids that union we have with God through Christ who is himself the Living Word.

Lectio is not Bible study or even an alternative to Bible study but something radically different. The practice understands Scripture as a meeting place for a personal encounter with the Living God. It is a practice we come to with the desire to be changed at all sorts of levels. Through it we allow ourselves to be formed in the likeness of Christ; it is about formation rather than instruction. When undertaken in a group setting lectio is about listening to the experience of others and how that might inform your experience. It is never about pushing a particular view and is certainly not competitive.

(https://www.anglicancommunion.org/media/253799/1-What-is-Lectio-Divina.pdf)

The Steps of Lectio Divina

LECTIO DIVINA STEPS

  1. Lectio (Reading)
  2. Meditatio (Meditation)
  3. Oratio (Prayer)
  4. Contemplatio (Contemplation)

STEP ONE

1. LECTIO – READING

Read the text. Consider what this passage is saying that everyone should understand at its face value. Then re-read it, slowly and prayerfully. Try reading it out loud. Receive God’s word.

STEP TWO

2. MEDITATIO – MEDITATION

A better word for meditation might be ponder. Pondering means to consider something carefully and thoroughly, weighing it in your mind. This is meditation in a Biblical sense. Scripture is a Living Word, so rich in meaning! What word or phrase struck you while reading the text? Stop and rest with it. God is drawing your attention to this word or phrase. Repeat it to yourself. Ponder it in your heart. Allow it to speak to you in a personal way. What does the text say to me, today, and to my life? Does it contain a promise? A warning, or an example to follow?

STEP THREE

3. ORATIO – PRAYER

What do I want to say to God in response to His word? Prayer is a dialogue with God, straight from your heart. Pondering has led us to engage in an intimate conversation with God. Discuss with God what you heard in the reading of the scripture passage. Be open to how your heart is led to respond. We may move to give Him thanks or praise. We may be ready to ask for His help in a specific way. Ask God for His insight and wisdom. Ask Him for guidance on your purpose today.

STEP FOUR

4. CONTEMPLATIO – CONTEMPLATION

Sit still with God. This is a quiet rest in God’s presence. Don’t focus on your action or doing, but allow God to act in your soul. Be open to receiving His transforming embrace. In my experience, going through the earlier steps of Lectio Divina usually leaves my mind relaxed and my heart calm. Even if all you are noticing at this point is simply a pleasant quiet, that’s okay. Sit for a moment in the quiet and just “be” with God.

(How to Pray the Lectio Divina (A Free Printable Guide) • Olive Branch Mom)

Lectio Divina: A Beginner’s Guide