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 reading, 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

1. Recognition that the text is a gift given, not a problem to solve.
2. In order to receive what the text has, it must be read slowly.
3. 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 and remove any distractions (phone, tv, etc.)―play soft, quiet music if there are any distracting noises.
• Take three slow, deep breaths.
• Pray: “God, speak to me through this passage of your divine word.”
• Slowly begin reading:
  • • First Reading ― Listen
      • (Pause)
    • Second Reading ― Ponder
      • (Pause)
    • Third Reading ― Pray

{See below for an example of a personal Lectio}

GROUP LECTIO

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