Lectio Divina is Latin for "divine reading." Early Christian monks used this method to read the bible and seek a deeper relationship with God in their daily lives. Lectio originally involved four steps -- reading the Word, thinking about it, praying over it, and being open to what God might have to say about it. The practice seeks not just knowledge of God, but understanding of how God is working in the life of seeker. The following Lectio exercise requires a passage of scripture, three questions, and 10 to 15 minutes.
1. Choose a Passage of Scripture.
Make sure the Bible passage is relatively short, 15 to 20 verses at most. The Gospels are the most easily adapted to this exercise, as they contain stories in smaller chunks. If your Bible has sub-headings within each chapter, chose a sub-heading. Another option is using a lectionary, the Bible broken into sections for use in public worship by various denominations. Examples include the Revised Common Lectionary, used by the Presbyterian Church, USA, the Roman Catholic Lectionary, and the Episcopal Lectionary.
2. First Question: What Word or Phrase Stands Out to Me?
Before you read the selected passage, ask yourself the first of three questions. "What word or phrase stands out to me?" Read the passage aloud slowly to yourself, taking as much time as you need. When you are finished, select a word or phrase that excites interest or curiousity. (For example, one may select Psalm 23 out of the King James Version of the Bible as the passage, and the person may select "green pastures" as the phrase of special meaning.)
3. Second Question: What is the Passage Saying to Me?
Ask yourself the second question. "What is the passage saying to me?" Read the a second time passage, slowly. What meaning, if any, can you glean from the passage? (For example, the person who connected with "green pastures" in Question 1 may feel the passage is saying that enjoying those good times in life is important, as the good times don't last forever in Question 2.)
4. Third Question: What is the Passage Calling Me to Do?
When you are ready, ask yourself the third question. "What is God calling me to do?" The word "call" implies an invitation. Is God inviting you to change in some way, see a problem as an opportunity, or go a different direction in your life? (The green pasture lady who feels life is precious in Question 2 may see herself called to enjoy it more, offer thanks in her prayers, and help others who are struggling to find green pastures through sharing her story in Question 3.) Read the passage a third time, slowly, and answer the third question.
Time and practice will give the Word opportunity to sink into your thoughts, words, and deeds as you follow in the prayer life of early Christians and practice Lectio Divina.
Also try Day 1 Advent Devotion for a daily Advent devotional series or the Hail Mary Meditation for a relaxing twist on a popular prayer.
Melissa Roberts - A trained hospital chaplain, Melissa is a freelance writer, teacher, retreat leader, and spiritual director.
