Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

“Divine Reading” is one translation of this Latin phrase. It is a method of letting God speak to you through scripture, rather than trying to understand the most obvious meanings of the words. You do not need a commentary or history book to help you understand. All you are doing is listening to what the words are saying to you at this time. Realize that several readings may reveal different things. Here is simple way to approach this.

Before you begin, select a passage of scripture; you might also have a pen and paper (or journal), but these are not necessary.

Sit quietly, with a short examination of your day as you slow your breathing and begin to become quiet and centered.

Read the selected text. What word, words, or phrases stand out as you read? Sometimes, reading aloud is helpful in this process, as it may create nuances in sound and expression that go unnoticed in silent reading.

Sit in silence for two to three minutes, hearing these words and phrases. What are they saying to you?

Read the text again. Again, sit quietly with your thoughts for a few minutes. What do you hear this time? Jot down the words and thoughts on paper, not as paragraphs and sentences, but just as the ideas come to you.

Read the text a final time. As you read, consider the thoughts you have written and heard. Do they help you encounter the whole text in a different way? Do the things that stand out for you help you understand the whole text in a way that helps you find God’s words for you in this particular text on this particular day?

Sit silently with your thoughts.

Offer verbal silent prayers for your friends and concerns

Close with the Lord’s Prayer

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