Spiritual Practice 4: Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina is an Ancient Monastic Practice
Prayer and the study of Scripture and other Christian writings have been central to Christian spirituality from the very beginnings. The development of monasticism in the East at first and then in the West was a means whereby individual Christians could devote their lives to prayer, study and the practice of Christian virtues. Different communities of monastics adopted practices that varied somewhat, but prayer and study remained central.
Over time, a pattern of prayer and study developed which came to be known as Lectio Divina, or, roughly translated, "Divine Reading." Lectio is mentioned as far back as the Rule of St. Benedict in the late 5th, early 6th Century. Benedict stressed that the monastery was "a school for the Lord's Service," and as such the three fundamental virtues of a monk were obedience, the practice of silence, and humility. "In order to attain his goal as a contemplative, the monk must devote himself to three daily activities: liturgical prayer, Lectio and some type of labor."
You can use Lectio Divina with any Scripture Reading plan. However, because it is a slower process of reading, do not choose large sections of Scripture to use. Instead, choose a small selection to use. While studying the Sermon on the Mount, break each Session’s reading into smaller “bite-sized” pieces for a daily Lectio practice.
Preparation
Prepare for your time of Lectio in a similar way as to how you prepare for meditation. Allow 15 – 20 minutes to slowly move through the stages outlined below:
Reading / Lectio
The primary text for Lectio is, of course, Holy Scripture. However, other writings of high spiritual value have been suggested over the centuries, and in reality, any text can be read according to the practice of Lectio. The reading of the text provides the content and focus of the prayer and meditation which follow. Read the passage slowly, two or three times and notice what word or phrase speaks to you. It is often suggested that you read the passage out loud. Reading it out loud slows you down, and you can receive the words as if they are being spoken not only by you, but more importantly, to you. Cultivate this attitude: What am I hearing? What is being spoken to me?
Meditation / Meditatio
The second stage is to move from reading into what is called meditatio, which consists of concentrating and focusing one's thoughts upon the reading. This second stage involves what is appropriately called ruminatio, which is basically what it sounds like. During ruminatio, one sits with the text, "chewing" on it and "digesting" it, in effect. One keeps the text fixed in the consciousness, allowing new insight to arise out of the encounter with this particular Word of God. Repeat the word or phrase over and over, allow it to sink into and act on your heart, notice any feelings, thoughts, questions arising and allow these to touch your life. Cultivate this attitude: How is this touching me?
Prayer / Oratio
(Listening) Listen for what you sense the Lord is saying to you now. Take this to heart and ask for the grace to be taught and formed by the Word of God.
Contemplation / Contemplatio
(Being) Stay quietly with whatever is happening, and trust this. Now is the time to stop pondering, and allow yourself to be with what is, knowing that the Lord loves you and wants what is best for you.
The next step
“The next step is to start the work of silence, the saying of the word throughout the time of meditation, and beyond. Carry a word or phrase or discovery with you throughout the day, allowing it to sink deeper into your consciousness and your heart.
Prayer and the study of Scripture and other Christian writings have been central to Christian spirituality from the very beginnings. The development of monasticism in the East at first and then in the West was a means whereby individual Christians could devote their lives to prayer, study and the practice of Christian virtues. Different communities of monastics adopted practices that varied somewhat, but prayer and study remained central.
Over time, a pattern of prayer and study developed which came to be known as Lectio Divina, or, roughly translated, "Divine Reading." Lectio is mentioned as far back as the Rule of St. Benedict in the late 5th, early 6th Century. Benedict stressed that the monastery was "a school for the Lord's Service," and as such the three fundamental virtues of a monk were obedience, the practice of silence, and humility. "In order to attain his goal as a contemplative, the monk must devote himself to three daily activities: liturgical prayer, Lectio and some type of labor."
You can use Lectio Divina with any Scripture Reading plan. However, because it is a slower process of reading, do not choose large sections of Scripture to use. Instead, choose a small selection to use. While studying the Sermon on the Mount, break each Session’s reading into smaller “bite-sized” pieces for a daily Lectio practice.
Preparation
Prepare for your time of Lectio in a similar way as to how you prepare for meditation. Allow 15 – 20 minutes to slowly move through the stages outlined below:
Reading / Lectio
The primary text for Lectio is, of course, Holy Scripture. However, other writings of high spiritual value have been suggested over the centuries, and in reality, any text can be read according to the practice of Lectio. The reading of the text provides the content and focus of the prayer and meditation which follow. Read the passage slowly, two or three times and notice what word or phrase speaks to you. It is often suggested that you read the passage out loud. Reading it out loud slows you down, and you can receive the words as if they are being spoken not only by you, but more importantly, to you. Cultivate this attitude: What am I hearing? What is being spoken to me?
Meditation / Meditatio
The second stage is to move from reading into what is called meditatio, which consists of concentrating and focusing one's thoughts upon the reading. This second stage involves what is appropriately called ruminatio, which is basically what it sounds like. During ruminatio, one sits with the text, "chewing" on it and "digesting" it, in effect. One keeps the text fixed in the consciousness, allowing new insight to arise out of the encounter with this particular Word of God. Repeat the word or phrase over and over, allow it to sink into and act on your heart, notice any feelings, thoughts, questions arising and allow these to touch your life. Cultivate this attitude: How is this touching me?
Prayer / Oratio
(Listening) Listen for what you sense the Lord is saying to you now. Take this to heart and ask for the grace to be taught and formed by the Word of God.
- What new insight am I being invited to embrace?
- What am I hearing?
- How is this touching me?
- What new insight am I being invited to embrace?
- How will I respond?
Contemplation / Contemplatio
(Being) Stay quietly with whatever is happening, and trust this. Now is the time to stop pondering, and allow yourself to be with what is, knowing that the Lord loves you and wants what is best for you.
The next step
“The next step is to start the work of silence, the saying of the word throughout the time of meditation, and beyond. Carry a word or phrase or discovery with you throughout the day, allowing it to sink deeper into your consciousness and your heart.
Learn more about Lectio Divina:
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Articles to download:
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Websites and videos:
- "Lectio Divina" Webpage produced by the Davao Episcopal Area, Philippines, United Methodist Church.
- "Lectio Divina: Praying the Scriptures." Webpage with other links, Upper Room Ministries.
- "Lectio Divina: How to Pray Through the Bible." Video produced by the American Bible Society. The narrator leads you through the steps, reading a passage from Romans 8:35-39.
- "Lectio Divina: Spiritual Moments on the Go." Video produced by ReThink Church.