Guidelines for Lectio Divina 

What Is Lectio Divina

            Lectio divina(Divine reading) is a very ancient art whose origins are lost in the early years of the Christian Church.  It has survived in the monasteries throughout the ages, particularly those in the Benedictine tradition.  It is a way of reading and praying with the Bible that enables the prayer to sense God’s word to him/her with each session of Lectio.

Lectio consists of four steps, reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation.

Reading:  This is a special reading of a selected passage of scripture, listening for a particular word or phrase that stands out for you.

Meditation:  Lectio uses the special term “ruminate” for this part of the process.  Like the rumination of a cow, which regurgitates its food several times to chew on it, the one practicing Lectio meditates on the word or phrase that came to them.  Turn it over in your mind several times, looking at it from different perspectives, hearing and smelling the scene if there is one, etc.  Why does this particular word or phrase speak to you at this time?  How does it interact with your thoughts, hopes, memories or desires?

Prayer:  How do we offer back to God this encounter with God through the scriptures?  To what new behavior or attitude does this encounter call you?  How might this encounter change you?

Contemplation:  Resting in the presence of God.  After all the other steps have been taken, simply enjoy this encounter as a meeting with God in your life.

            Though this way of prayer may change your life, provide new insights into the Bible or your life, its main goal is none other than spending time with God through the medium of his word.