Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading” or “Sacred Reading”) is a prayer practice that relies on our listening for the Holy Spirit. It requires that we quiet our mind and resonate with the words, images, and phrases of scripture as we read. Unlike historical-critical readings for the sake of studying the Bible and its scriptures, Lectio Divina seeks to encounter God through the text. This is very notable and different purpose, although these different schools of thought can benefit one another.
For newcomers to this practice, it is recommended to start slow and pick a familiar verse from the Gospels that contain strong imagery (e.g. Luke 4:16-30, Mark 4:35-41). Even if you are not a primarily image-driven person, opening ourselves up to the possibility of God speaking through an image is important. We cannot limit how God reaches us.
Light a candle and take up a posture that is comfortable and grounding. Then, read through the scripture slowly. Allow yourself to savor the words, phrases, and images that arise for you. When finished, make note of what word, phrase, or image stood out to you. Writing this down may be helpful. Hold this in your mind for at least 15 seconds or longer in silence. Then read the scripture again, paying attention to what word, phrase, or image emerges for you.
Allow yourself additional silence to meditate on these words or phrases or images for at least 15 seconds or longer in silence. Finish by saying the Lord’s Prayer or a prayer that is familiar or comforting to you before returning to life.
Lectio Divina as a Practice
Lectio Divina was broken down into four distinct parts by Christian leader Guigo II. These elements are:
1.) Lectio (or reading). This is the most straight forward element of Lectio Divina. Reading scripture is central to this practice. In a full practice of Lectio Divina, you will be meditating on a passage for approximately 30 minutes. As mentioned above, it is recommended that a passage with strong imagery or phrasing is used to help evoke a stronger sense of God’s will for you.
2.) Meditatio (or meditation). Mediating or reflecting on the text is utilized for the sake of exploring the scripture in silence. Identify a word, phrase, or image that stood out to you is helpful in this stage. Turn that word, phrase, or image over like a precious jewel that catches the light. Analyze it, explore it, become curious about it.
3.) Contemplatio (or contemplation). This portion of the practice comes after hearing or reading the text three or four times (lectio) and identifying the word(s), phrase(s), or image(s) that stand out to you in the scripture. Contemplatio is where we move from the scripture to the Word being spoken, the voice of God coming through the scriptures itself. What is God calling you to do or to become? What is God inviting me into so that I might be transformed?
4.) Oratio (or oration, in reference to spoken prayer). To end the practice, Oratio or spoken (kataphatic) prayer, is used to vocalize our desire to be molded by the Divine, to allow ourselves to acquiesce to the will of God for our lives, deeper love, and unity with all of God’s creation. This can be best described as a “response” to the Word we have received from God in our contemplation.
Information compiled from Patricia D. Brown’s Paths to Prayer (Jossey-Bass, 2003).