Lectio Divina is the traditional term used for "sacred reading." This slow, contemplative reading of scripture or spiritual books is an ancient practice to bring one closer to God. The traditional format has four movements called: Lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation engaging the intellect), oratio (prayer dialogue with God), and contemplatio (contemplation). It is also common to include a preparation step of centering or grounding, and a concluding step of action in response to what one heard in the prayer.

Explanation:

In the Lectio step there are two levels of reading that occur. One level is to read for the authentic or intended meaning of the author. It might be helpful to put the passage in context by reading the preceding and following passages. In addition, a biblical commentary can also be helpful. The second level of reading is to ponder the meaning of the passage for you personally, as conveyed in the living Word of God. This is not a Bible study, but a personal engagement with God through his Word. This has the potential to lead to transformation.

This reading is done very slowly, letting the Word of God sink into your depths while you listen in the stillness of your heart. Often times a word or a phase will speak to you. Let the text choose you; avoid the urge to take control of the words. Let the word or phrase enter your receptive soul and just sit with it.

After a second reading, move to meditatio where you ask what God is saying to you personally at this time in your life. This step engages more of the intellect, active thought, or imagination. Try to approach it openly, not forcing an insight. Note that the meaning of meditation here in the ancient Christian Tradition, which involves active thought, can be different than the common term for meditation implying the desired absence of thought.

Return to the passage for a third reading and then respond in prayer to what you hear, oratio. This is a dialogue between you and God. Tell God what you are feeling, hearing, learning etc. Allow God time to respond to your insights; resist the urge to fill the time with your own thoughts. After you have listened, respond to what you heard and listen again.

After a sufficient amount of time, allow yourself to just rest in God’s presence, contemplatio. This sitting in receptive silence is a prayer of"being present" to God.

In conclusion, are you sensing that God is asking you to take some action as a result of the prayer? If so how do you respond?

Preparation for Lectio Divina

Before entering prayer it is helpful to have the participants recollect themselves, recalling that they are approaching God, the ground of their being. Ask the group to begin by quieting their mind and centering themselves, letting the cares of the day be put on hold for a while. Ask them to acknowledge how they are feeling emotionally, and then to let these feelings and thoughts go. Ask them to notice the sounds in the room, and then let them go. Ask them to be aware of how their bodies feel at the present moment, and then let it go. Finally, ask them to be attentive to their breathing, without changing the pace, following flow of the breath in and out. Once they seem stilled, suggest that they offer their prayer to God, asking for the grace to be open to whatever it is He wishes to reveal to them, personally, through this reading at this time.

Traditional Lectio Divina General Format Template

Introduction- read background to text if desired.

Preparation - Prepare yourself to enter into prayer by focusing or centering yourself. Often, a relaxation exercise can be helpful.

Lectio - Read the passage out loud without any special emphasis. Listen to the initial reading for context. During the second reading, listen for a word or phrase that touches you. Sit in silence. After 3-5 minutes, say out loud the word or phrase which touches you, without elaborating on the word.

Meditatio - Read the passage again. Consider what God is saying to you personally through the text. Let the text move inside of you. Allow 7-10 minutes for this.

Oratio - Read the passage again and dialogue with God about what you have heard or what you sense. Tell God what you are hearing, feeling or sensing. Allow time to hear a response to what you have said. It will be most fruitful if this dialogue is not rushed.

Contemplatio - Remain silent in God’s presence. If thoughts or images arise, try to let them go.

Action - Is God asking anything of me at this time?