Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina is Latin for Divine Reading. Basically it’s an awesome way to read Scripture and gain an even more profound insight into how God is speaking through a particular passage. The earliest practice of Lectio Divina goes all the way back to third century.

Check this out: In September 2005, Pope Benedict XVI stated: “I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart (cf. Dei Verbum, n. 25). If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime.”

Wow – even the Pope recommends it.

There are many ways to read Scripture and many ways to employ Lectio Divina. Generally is it broken down into four parts:

Lectio – Reading
Meditatio – Meditation
Oratio – Prayer
Contemplatio – Contemplation

Pick a relatively short passage in the Bible. (Check out Today’s Readings)

1. 1. Quiet yourself and read through the passage quietly or out loud a couple times.
2. 2. Pick a word or phrase that sticks out to you and meditate on it for a few moments.
3. 3. Read through the passage again, focusing on the word or phrase that stuck out to you. Listen to God. What is God trying to tell you through this word? What is He asking you to do or change?
4. 4. Read through the passage one last time and simply allow the passage to rest on your heart.

Lectio Divina can be done privately, or with a group. If you’re doing it with a group, share your responses on how God is speaking to you and discuss what the passage means to the group. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you though Scripture and the other members of your group. Read through the passage as many times as you need to fully hear what God is saying to you.