Lectio Divina

What is Lectio Divina?

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 in order to savour 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 the Living Word.

Lectio is not Bible study or even an alternative to Bible study but something radically different. It operates on the emotional rather than the cerebral level. It is perhaps “hearty” rather than “heady.” Through it we allow ourselves to be formed in the likeness of Christ; it is about formation rather than instruction. 

Lectio is a spiritual practice that can be undertaken individually or as part of a group. When undertaken in a group setting, lectio is about listening to the experience of others and allowing it to inform your own experience. It is never about pushing a particular view and certainly is not competitive. Group lectio involves an invitation to share, but sharing is not compulsory. It is not a discussion, and no one comments on what another person shares. In group lectio, we listen to what is shared in the belief that God communicates with us through what others might say. Meeting together to engage in group lectio enables participants to learn a practice which can enhance their own personal prayer time and relationship with God.

Let us ruminate, and, as it were, chew the cud, that we may have the sweet juice, spiritual effect, marrow, honey, kernel, taste, comfort and consolation of them.  — Thomas Cramner

How to practice Lectio Divina

Prepare: As you enter into lectio, find a comfortable seat and consider lighting a candle as a gentle reminder that you are in a prayerful space. For several minutes, allow yourself to begin to breathe slowly and deeply. As you settle into silence, quietly ask God to speak to you through the passage that you are about to read.

Lectio: As you read the passage for the first time listen for a word or phrase that attracts you. Allow it to arise from the passage as if it is God’s word for you today. You may want to sit in silence for several minutes listening for that word or phrase. When you have heard it, sit in silence for a while longer, repeating the word or phrase in your head. Then, say the word or phrase aloud.Choose a sacred word as the symbol of your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.

Meditatio: As you read the passage a second time, spend several minutes pondering how this word or phrase speaks to your life and why it has connected with you. Ask where God may be nudging you. Sit in silence for a time and then frame a single sentence that begins to say aloud what this word or phrase says to you.

Oratio: As you read the passage a third time, ask what Christ is calling from you. What is it that you need to do or consider or relinquish or take on as a result of what God is saying to you in this word or phrase? Sit in silence for several minutes and then speak your response aloud as a prayer, asking God to lead you into that response.

Contemplatio: After you read the passage for the last time, spend some time with God in silent, wordless contemplation. Open your heart and mind to God’s presence, returning to God whatever you have discovered through lectio. Rather than putting this into words, allow the presence of God as Christ the Incarnate Word to refresh you.