Lectio Divina

OVERVIEW

Lectio Divina is a way of praying Scripture. It literally means “Divine Reading” and allows an individual or group to listen, meditate, and pray their way through short passages of the Bible. It slows down our typically rushed readings, allowing us to chew and savor it in a personal and applicable way. Lectio is not to be confused with Bible study, nor is it intended to replace Bible study. It is about our heart, not our head; formation, not instruction.

As we practice Lectio, our desire is to conform ourselves to the likeness of Jesus―the Living Word of God. It stresses the belief that Christ is truly present in Scripture, so it can act as a conduit for God to speak to us. The Bible is understood to be incarnational. As Jesus is inseparably man and God; the Bible is inseparably human thought and divine inspiration. It is in this incarnate state that the Bible speaks to us in our humanity and calls us to be conformed to Jesus’ likeness.

When Lectio is done within a narrative passage, it can be beneficial during reading to connect to one of the characters in the story. If you are in a group setting, and not the reader, close your eyes and imagine you are in the scene. Who do you most connect with? What happens or is said to the character which connects you to them?

KEY FEATURES

Recognition that the text is a gift given, not a problem to solve.
In order to receive what the text has, it must be read slowly.
It is a way of prayer…

- Before reading―pray.
- During reading―allow the reading to move you from meditation into prayer.
- After reading―keep a phrase in mind so that prayerful reading becomes prayerful living.

PERSONAL LECTIO

Find someplace comfortable to sit. Remove all distractions―put on soft, quiet music if needed.
Take three slow, deep breaths. This (scientifically) releases endorphins which reduce anxiety, can lower blood pressure, and help focus.
Pray: “God, speak to me through this passage of your divine word.” This is a prayer of silence. Oftentimes our prayers are ‘speaking to God’, but we want to listen to his word composed in the Bible and spoken by the Holy Spirit.
Slowly begin reading: Take time reading, do not ‘focus’ on each word, but read and listen to each word. Take a slight pause between verses to let the words soak into your heart and mind.

- First Reading: Listen. As you read the passage, be attentive to a word or phrase that stands out to you. Meditate on this word or phrase for a minute, then, if able, say it out loud.
  - (Pause)
- Second Reading: Ponder. As you begin reading a second time, ask what connects you to this word or phrase. Think about it for a few minutes (this is not about getting lost in your thoughts, but discerning what the Spirit is communicating to you). Do not worry if you get distracted and your mind wanders off. Frame a sentence around your word or phrase.
  - (Pause)
- Third Reading: Pray. As you begin to read the passage a final time, ask Jesus what he is calling you to. What is it that you need to do, consider, relinquish, or take on as a result of what God is saying to you in this word or phrase? In the silence that follows the reading, pray for the grace of the Spirit to plant this word in your heart.

GROUP LECTIO

One person reads the passage slowly.
Each person identifies a word, phrase, or character that sticks out―write it down.
Anyone who desires to can share the word or phrase around the group (no discussion).
Another person reads the passage slowly (From a different translation, if possible).
Each person identifies where this passage impacts their life today―write it down.
Anyone who desires to can share (no discussion).
The passage is read a third time slowly (Another reader and translation if possible).
Each person names or writes: “From what I’ve heard and shared, what do I believe God wants me to do or believe? Is God inviting me to change in any way?”
Each shares their answer.
Each prays for the person on their right, naming what was shared in other steps