Lectio Divina, a Latin term meaning “divine reading,” is a venerable Christian practice of scriptural reading, meditation, and prayer designed to foster communion with God and deepen one’s understanding of the divine word. This meditative practice, rooted in early monastic traditions, invites believers to engage with sacred texts through reading, reflecting, responding, and resting in the divine presence. Lectio Divina transcends mere biblical study, aiming instead to cultivate a profound connection with God.
The Bible repeatedly calls us to meditate on God’s Word to grow closer to Him and align our lives with His will. In the Old Testament, believers are called to reflect deeply on God’s truth, a practice akin to meditation. In Joshua 1:8, believers are called to “keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” This verse emphasizes the importance of reflecting deeply on Scripture, allowing it to shape our actions. Similarly, in Psalm 1:2, the psalmist describes the blessed person as one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
Meditation continued into Jesus’s time. In the New Testament, Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on true, noble, and pure things, while Colossians 3:16 urges us to let the Word of Christ dwell richly within us. Paul also advises Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15 to meditate on spiritual growth, and in Romans 12:2, he calls for transformation through the renewal of the mind.
Lectio Devina in Practice
Meditating on God’s Word is not a passive activity but a deliberate, focused practice that allows us to internalize His truths and apply them in our daily lives. Through meditation, we open ourselves to deeper understanding and transformation. It helps create a space for dialogue with God, allowing individuals to listen attentively, respond authentically, and draw closer to God. From the mind to the heart, a divine intake of God’s scripture allows God to inform you on personal terms. Some suggest that this form of meditation is not so much you are reading the scripture, but the scripture is reading you. Lectio Devina cultivates a deeper understanding of Scripture as it relates personally to our lives, promotes spiritual growth, enhances prayer life, and nurtures a personal relationship with God. As we become more interwoven with God through Lectio Divina, some find it can help reduce stress and anxiety by providing peace and calm amid life’s challenges.
Throughout Christian history, many influential figures have embraced Lectio Divina as a central spiritual practice, using it to deepen their relationship with God. St. Benedict of Nursia introduced it to his monks in the 6th century, weaving it into monastic life to slowly meditate on Scripture to foster spiritual growth. In the 12th century, Guigo II, a Carthusian monk, formalized the practice into four stages: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation. Mystics like St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross also practiced Lectio Divina as part of their contemplative paths, using it to seek divine union. In more recent times, figures like Pope Benedict XVI, Fr. Thomas Keating and Henri Nouwen have promoted the practice for modern spiritual seekers, encouraging Christians to engage deeply with Scripture in a world full of distractions. These figures exemplify how Lectio Divina has remained a living tradition, guiding people to encounter God’s Word throughout the centuries.
In the spiritual disciple practice, many directees often voice their desires to practice it. As the spiritual director leads in the practice, the directee usually finds themselves at peace while actively listening from their heart for God. Sometimes directees hear from God right away and joyfully take the next step to describe their feelings and what God has to say, while others describe a feeling that God may be prompting them to further reflect at a future time.
The Four Stages of Lectio Divina
1. Lectio (Reading)
The initial stage, Lectio, involves a deliberate and attentive reading of a scripture passage. The objective is not to dissect the text but to listen for the word or phrase that resonates personally. It is vital to approach this stage with an open heart, prepared to receive God’s message.
2. Meditatio (Meditation)
During the second stage, Meditatio, one reflects on the word or phrase that emerged during reading. This involves contemplating its significance and implications for one’s life. Meditatio invites the scripture to resonate deeply within, allowing it to speak to one’s personal circumstances and spiritual journey.
3. Oratio (Prayer)
The third stage, Oratio, is a period of prayerful response. In this phase, one dialogues with God regarding the insights gained from reading and meditation. This may include petitions for understanding, expressions of gratitude, requests for guidance, or intercessory prayers. It is a deeply personal communion with the divine.
4. Contemplatio (Contemplation)
The final stage, Contemplatio, involves resting in God’s presence. Reading, meditating, and praying, one sits silently aware of God’s love and presence. This stage emphasizes stillness and receptivity, opening oneself to the transformative power of divine grace.
Example of Lectio Divina in Action
Consider the following passage from Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV):
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
Lectio (Reading)
Read the passage slowly and attentively. Identify the word or phrase that stands out. For instance, “He refreshes my soul.” Pause for a moment after reading to reflect.
Meditatio (Meditation)
Read the passage slowly and attentively again. Reflect on the phrase “He refreshes my soul.” Contemplate its meaning for you. This may involve recalling times of weariness and the need for renewal or considering what it means to have one’s soul refreshed by God.
Oratio (Prayer)
Read the passage slowly and attentively one last time. Respond in prayer. One might pray, “Lord, thank you for being my shepherd and for refreshing my soul. Help me to find rest and renewal in you. Guide me along the right paths and grant me the strength to follow your lead.” Speak to God as you feel drawn.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
Lastly, take a moment to sit quietly in God’s presence, allowing oneself to simply be. Embrace the peace and refreshment that comes from His presence, and rest in the assurance of His guidance.
By regularly engaging in Lectio Divina, one can deepen their spiritual life and foster a more intimate relationship with God. This sacred practice encourages a deliberate slowing down, an attentive listening, and a heartfelt response to the divine invitations found within the scriptures.
Further exploration
In addition to well-known passages like the Psalms, several other parts of the Bible are ideal for practicing Lectio Divina. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 offers rich teachings from Jesus, where believers can meditate on His call to live out the Beatitudes and seek the kingdom of God. The parables of Jesus, like the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, invite deeper reflection on love and compassion. John 15, where Jesus speaks about the vine and the branches, is another passage perfect for contemplating remaining connected to Christ. Each of these passages provides spiritual nourishment, inviting readers to meditate, pray, and listen for God’s personal message. Because all scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), there really is no limit to what one could use to practice Lectio Devina.
Lastly, journeying in life is much easier if you have a brother or sister to share with. Consider engaging a friend in Christ, your accountability partner or a spiritual director to further help you develop the intimacy with God that He longs for you to have.
