Lectio divina, meaning “prayerful/holy reading” in Latin, is a form of contemplative prayer that uses Scripture to commune with God.
Oftentimes I find myself rushing through my daily Scripture reading OR getting bogged down studying the nuances of the passage. During prayer I am liable to become frustrated by my inability to quiet my mind and hear God’s voice. Can you relate?
Lectio divina enables us to slow down, focus our attention, and hear God’s voice through the reading of His Word. It’s not about learning or studying, but spiritual formation. It’s not about asking for a list of needs; it’s about listening and responding. It is the discipline of purposefully placing ourselves in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
The practice, developed in the 6th century, traditionally consists of 5 parts:
Silencio — Slow down. Begin to quiet your body, mind, and soul by taking a few deep breaths and casting your cares upon the Lord. Release any looming tasks or worries about the day ahead by dedicating this time to God.
Psalm 131:2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.Lectio — Select a passage of Scripture (perhaps a Psalm or a teaching of Jesus to start) and read it aloud slowly. Imagine yourself in the passage: sitting at the feet of Jesus, or hearing the Psalm sung in the assemly of Old Testament worshippers. Resist the urge to examine, study, or pick out preaching themes.
Psalm 119:13 I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.
Meditatio — Read the passage again, either out loud or silently, and let the words settle in to your heart and mind. Pause on any words of phrases that stick out to you and read over them again. Ponder what God seems to be saying to you. How do these words resonate with your life right now?
Psalm 119:15 I will meditate on your precepts, and contemplate your ways.
Oratio — Read your chosen Scripture a third time, and then respond in prayer. Enter into an honest conversation with God and tell him how these words stirred your soul, and ask him what he is saying to your through this passage. Are there any actions, changes, or confessions God is asking you to make?
Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.
(Remember, anything God says to you will always align with the rest of Scripture)
Contemplatio — It’s time to return to silence. Rest in God’s presence for as long as you have time for. Yield to the Lord, trusting him with your past, present, and future. Ask that he would continue this transformational work in you as you go about your day and conclude this practice with praise and thanksgiving.
Psalm 119:92-93, 97 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life… Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.
I hope you will utilize and enjoy this practice of prayerful Bible reading. Please let me know if you tried it. As always, if you have any questions or remarks, you can reply to this email or leave a response in the comment section.
This post was developed from the lectio divina outline in Grasping God’s Word (pgs. 234-235) by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays.