Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina’s literal meaning is “divine reading.” It is an ancient practice of praying the scriptures. During Lectio Divina we listen with the ear of our heart, as if we are in conversation with God and God is suggesting the topic of conversation. The method of Lectio Divina includes moments of…

Reading (lectio)

Become quiet and consciously aware of God’s presence. Pray for the gifts and listen with trust, humility, reverence, openness and faith. Choose a passage from Scripture. Listen to the Word of God as if for the first time. Be aware of a word or phrase that catches your attention.

Reflecting (meditatio)

Begin to repeat that phrase, sentence or one word over and over, allowing it to settle deeply in your heart. If any insights arise, do not expand these insight right now. This can be done at a later time. Simply return to the slow repetition of the phrase, sentence, or one word, savoring it in your heart.

Responding (oratio)

If you are so moved, respond to the word through a prayer to God, or to whatever response surfaces in you.

Resting (contemplatio)

Spend just a few moments resting in the experience, consenting to God’s presence and action during this time of your life.

Like Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina cultivates contemplative prayer. Unlike Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina is a participatory, active practice that uses thoughts, images and insights to enter into a conversation with God. Lectio Divina is also distinguished from reading the Bible for edification or encouragement, bible study or praying the Scriptures in common, which are all useful but separate practices.