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. We 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 himself the Living Word. 

Prayer tips

Fr Christopher Jamison, former Abbot of Worth Abbey in Sussex, England in his book Finding Sanctuary writes of three key features of lectio: 

1. The first is that “the text is seen as a gift to be received, not a problem to be dissected….. let the text come to you.” 

2. The second is that the lectio tradition “teaches us that in order to receive what the text has to offer we must read slowly.” 

3. The third is that lectio is “a way of prayer. Before reading pray that God will speak to you through the text. During reading, allow the reading to evolve into meditation and then into prayer and finally contemplation. When the reading is concluded, keep some phrase in mind and repeat tit throughout the day so that prayerful reading becomes prayerful living.” 

4 steps prayer and meditation guide

  • 1. READING (LECTIO)

    In the first movement of Lectio we read the passage. Be intentional about the pace of your reading. Don’t rush through it. Read the passage slowly and reflectively. Let the words pour over you. Soak them in. Pay attention to what stands out. Is there a word, phrase, character, or even a concept that catches your attention?

    Don’t hurry to a meaning or an interpretation. Simply note that God has something to say in what stands out.

  • 2. MEDITATION (MEDITATIO)

    In this stage of Lectio, we mull over what stood out in the passage. Some have referred to this stage as time to chew on the text. We are not necessarily looking for theological interpretation. We reflect on the passage with God. This stage is one of receiving.

    Read the passage again, keeping in mind what stood out in your earlier reading. Once again be intentional about the pace of your reading. Listen to the Holy Spirit. What is God saying to you in the passage? How do you find yourself responding to what stood out and what you are hearing?

  • 3. PRAYER (ORATIO)

    In the first two movements we receive, but in the third movement of Lectio we respond. Based on your time in the first two movements, what will you say to God? You may consider:

    • Is God inviting you to do something?

    • Do you sense s need to confess and repent?

    • Are you grateful for his words?

    • Are you fearful about what God is inviting you to do?

    • Talk to God about it.

  • 4. CONTEMPLATION (CONTEMPLATIO)

    After reading, meditating, and praying, in the final movement of Lectio, we submit to God’s presence. Read the passage one final time and rest in the presence of God. Let go of agendas, fears, and all that pulls your attention away from God’s loving presence. Here you can read and be at peace in the presence of the one who created you and loves you.