Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina Guide
The practice has four movements: Lectio (read), Meditatio (receive and reflect), Oratio (respond) and Contemplatio (rest)
Reading the biblical passage multiple times, allows us to go deeper into the text. You’ll need a copy of Scripture. A pen and notebook are helpful to write down your thoughts, reflections and prayers.
Use the guide below to help you engage in an ancient and nourishing prayer practice. You can use this prayerful, contemplative approach to enrich your other prayer practices.
Choose a short bible passage that is just a few verses long. I’d recommend the book of Psalms or a story from one of the Gospels.
Preparation
Silensio (Silence)
Prepare your mind and heart. “Be still and know I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Make yourself comfortable in a place that is as free from interruption as possible. This prayer practice usually takes approx. 30 minutes.
Begin with silence for a few minutes, humbly asking God to quiet your heart and mind and make you aware that you are in His loving presence.
When you’re ready, begin reading and praying through the four movements described below. With time and practice, these movements will become simple and easy as they flow naturally from one to the other.
Lectio (Read)
On the first reading, simply open yourself to the presence of the Divine. Read the passage slowly and prayerfully, allowing short pauses between sentences.
Some people find that reading aloud helps to slow them down. Over time you’ll discover whether it’s more helpful for you to read silently or out loud. Try them both.
Let the words move deeply into your being, like nourishing rain into the soil. As you read, take in the words and the overall flow of the passage. Then allow a time of silence following the reading continuing to open yourself to God’s Spirit.
Meditatio (Receive and Reflect)
On the second prayerful reading of the passage, listen for a particular word or phrase through which God wants to speak to you. You will notice your attention being drawn to something.
Reflect on the word, phrase or image that has touched you silently, exploring what it means to you here and now. Let the word or phrase speak to your personal situation; believe that through this process God is communicating with you, perhaps giving a word of encouragement or of challenge, or calling you to a deeper awareness of God’s love for you.
Pause and ponder on why God would highlight this for you today, ask Him any questions that come to mind, and note things that are important as you meditate on what He has given you.
Remember that the focus is on listening to what God has to say to you.
Oratio (Respond)
On the third prayerful reading of the passage, listen now for God’s invitation, and respond from your heart. Talk to God about what you have noticed and heard through the words of Scripture.
God is always inviting us in some way…. To let go of something, or to take up something; to do something or be something. The invitation can take innumerable forms.
Following the reading, continue to listen for His invitation and then respond silently or our loud from an honest heart. You may wish to write your response in your journal. Pray as the Spirit moves you whether in gratitude, longing, repentance or intercession.
Contemplatio (Rest)
The focus of the fourth and final prayerful reading of the passage is to sit quietly with God and simply rest in the presence of the One who loves you.
Let the Word move from your head to your to hear to dwell there in peace-full silence. Allow the Spirit to draw you close and fill you with His love, grace and peace. Linger in this place of deep connection. You are being filled and refreshed for your continuing journey.
Take your word, phrase or image with you. You can return to it throughout the day as a reminder of the love of God for you and the special word He had for you today.