Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina, literally meaning “divine reading,” is an ancient practice of praying the scriptures; the practitioner listens to the text of the Bible with the “ear of the heart,” as if he or she is in conversation with God. This tradition of prayer flows out of a Hebrew method of studying the Scriptures which was called haggadah (Hebrew: הַגָּדָה‎‎, “telling”; plural: Haggadot).

Haggadah is an interactive interpretation of the Scriptures by means of the free use of the text to explore its inner meaning. It was part of the devotional practice of the Jews in the days of Jesus. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the retelling the story of the Exodus from Egypt (during the 15 steps Seder meal ritual).

Lectio Divina can be divided into two forms, scholastic and monastic.

1) Scholastic Form

The scholastic form was developed in the Middle Ages and divides the process of Lectio Divina into four hierarchical consecutive steps (in sequence): reading, reflecting, responding and resting.

Guidelines

Step One: Read the passage, encouraging everyone to listen with the “ear of their heart.” What phrase, sentence or even one word stands out to you?

Step Two: Read the passage again and Reflect on the word of God. Encourage everyone to be aware of what touches them, a thought or reflection that is meaningful. Allow a minute or two of silence.

Step Three: Read the passage again and Respond spontaneously to the word of God. Be aware of any prayer that rises up within that expresses the experience. Allow a minute or two of silence.

Step Four: Read the passage a final time and Rest in the word, reflect or pray and allow God to speak in the silence. Allow three or four minutes of silence.

To Extend the Practice: After the resting, take the phrase, sentence, or word into your daily activity and listen to it, reflect on it, pray over it, and rest in it as time allows during the day. Allow it to become part of you.

2) Monastic Form

The monastic form of Lectio Divina is a more ancient method in which reading, reflecting, responding and resting are experienced as moments rather than steps in a process (can be nonsequential). In this form, the interaction among the moments is dynamic and the movement through the moments follows the spontaneous prompting of the Holy Spirit. Lectio Divina was originally practiced by the Mothers and Fathers of the Desert and later in monasteries both East and West..

Guidelines

Moment One: LECTIO
Read the Scripture passage for the first time. Listen with the “ear of your heart.” What phrase, sentence or even one word stands out to you? Begin to repeat that phrase, sentence or one word over and over, allowing it to settle deeply in your heart. Simply return to the repetition of the phrase, sentence or one word, savoring it in your heart.

Moment Two: MEDITATIO
Reflect, relish the words. Let them resound in your heart. Let an attitude of quiet receptiveness permeate the prayer time. Be attentive to what speaks to your heart.

Moment Three: ORATIO
Respond spontaneously as you continue to listen to a phrase, sentence or word. A prayer of praise, thanksgiving or petition may arise. Offer that prayer, and then return to repeating the word in your heart.

Moment Four: CONTEMPLATIO
Rest in God. Simply “be with” God’s presence as you open yourself to a deeper hearing of the Word of God. If you feel drawn back to the scriptures, follow the lead of the Spirit.