Lectio Divina is Latin for “spiritual reading” or “divine reading.” It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to ponder, listen and, finally, pray from God’s Word. Early Christians did not have their own Bibles (that was not common until the last couple hundred years!), so they learned to have someone read the Scripture and they listened carefully with their spiritual hearts attuned to God. Lectio was most often done in community. This exercise can be done in life groups as well as individually.
Prior to reading, it is important to move to a more contemplative and prayerful state. A few moments of deep, regular breathing and a short prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time helps to set the tone and improve the effectiveness of the Lectio.
In the 12th century, “The Four Movements” were developed to guide the Lectio. Once the stage is set it is time to begin the four phases of the reading – prayer.
Begin by choosing a passage that is “self-contained” which means a story or a teaching that has a common theme.
- Read. Read the passage several times.
- Meditate. Reflect on the text of the passage, thinking about how to apply to one’s own life. Gravitate to any particular phrase or word that seems to be of particular importance.
- Respond. Respond to the passage by opening your heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but more of the beginning of a conversation with God.
- Contemplate. Listen to God. See centering prayer for guidance on how to do this. This is a freeing oneself from one’s own thoughts, both mundane and holy. It is about hearing God talk to us. It is opening our mind, heart and soul to the influence of God. Any conversation must allow for both sides to communicate, and this most unfamiliar act is allowing oneself to be open to hearing God speak.
