Lectio divina is an ancient way of praying which involves slowly reading and deeply reflecting on Sacred Scripture or other spiritual texts. Lectio divina is a Latin term that means “divine reading”.
Unlike a traditional Bible study which is more intellectual, lectio divina provides a more intimate experience with God. It can be done alone or in a group.
Lectio divina consists of four steps: lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio (prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation).
Lectio divina begins by selecting a short passage from the Bible and reading over it slowly, carefully, and repeatedly to see if any words or phrases stand out. The reader allows the Holy Spirit to gently guide them.
During the second phase of lectio divina, those parts of the passage that God has called attention to are focused on while meditating deeply on what He is trying to say through the Scripture.
The third phase of lectio divina involves praying with the Scripture while having a prayerful conversation with God, speaking and listening to Him about any phrases that stood out and what they might mean in the life of the individual.
Lectio divina ends in contemplation, quietly resting while experiencing the gift of the presence of God. Contemplation is the goal and most important part of lectio divina but may not be achieved every time.
Whatever action or change that takes place based on the reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation that has just occurred is sometimes added as a fifth step in lectio divina.
The practice of lectio divina dates back to the 3rd century AD and has developed over the centuries. It has traditionally been used by priests, monks, and nuns for a fuller and more rewarding prayer life but is recommended for all Catholics.
An epic, old-school form of prayer:
Discovering what God is saying to you:
The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3: 8-10
Entering into a conversation with God:
The point of lectio divina is to meet the Lord:
Helping to follow Jesus better throughout the day:
The word of God is the first source of all Christian spirituality. It gives rise to a personal relationship with the living God and with his saving and sanctifying will. It is for this reason that from the very beginning of Institutes of Consecrated Life, and in a special way in monasticism, what is called lectio divina has been held in the highest regard. By its means the word of God is brought to bear on life, on which it projects the light of that wisdom which is a gift of the Spirit. Although the whole of Sacred Scripture is “profitable for teaching”, and is “the pure and perennial source of spiritual life”, the writings of the New Testament deserve special veneration, especially the Gospels, which are “the heart of all the Scriptures”.
Pope John Paul II, Vita Consecrata, 25 March 1996
Engaging with divinely inspired Sacred Scripture:
The scene from Sacred Scripture may not be perfect:
The Church “forcefully and specially exhorts all the Christian faithful . . . to learn ‘the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ’ by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures…. Let them remember, however, that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man. For ‘we speak to him when we pray; we listen to him when we read the divine oracles.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2653
Practicing lectio divina is encountering fire:
Training the heart to seek what is good and holy:
Changed by careful reading of Scripture with an open heart:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
A life of contemplation and prayer:
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