What is Lectio Divina?

Lectio Divina is a dynamic way of reading the Scriptures it has been around since ca. AD 300. Lectio Divina simply means sacred reading and the practices within its rhythm enable us to look at scripture in a slightly different way.

It follows a four-step approach of:

Reading — Lectio
Meditation — Meditatio
Prayer — Oratio
Contemplation — Contemplatio

Lectio Divina is a way to meet with the Lord through reflection and prayer based on Holy Scripture. Inviting you to savour and mull over God’s words quietly, slowly and intently,
it gives you the space to respond to what you feel God is saying and helps you build a vital bridge between your encounters with God and everyday life.

Who is it for?

This can be done individually or as a group.

Method

Select your passage of scripture.

Read (Lectio): Read the passage out loud, reflecting on the passage as you read.
Meditate (Meditatio): Read the passage again and say out loud one word or phrase that jumps out to you as you hear it (the same word or phrase may be repeated by different people).
Pray (Oratio): Read the passage again, and allowing space to have a conversation with God: listening as well as speaking and praying as you are prompted for yourself, others, the world. You may find the prayers are related to the themes, words or phrases of the passage.
Contemplate (Contemplatio): Read the passage a final time and sit quietly to reflect individually.

Question: What’s the one thing from this passage I want to hold on to, to reflect on further?

Example:

Group Lectio Divina on Psalm 23:1-6

Read — Lectio

Leader: read the passage at a moderately slow pace.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
my whole life long.

Keep silence for a short while — suggest 30 seconds.

Meditatio — meditate

Leader: (similar words to this)

As I read again — please be open to receive.

This isn’t the time to engage with the text as a study, but to listen deeply.

What is the one word or phrase — even overall impression that jumps out at you as I read it.

If something provokes you stick with it.

Pause

Turn it over in your mind — take a deep dive. Let it settle in your heart

Pause

As you are able, be brave and share that word (with no comment or response) with all of us.

Response

Oratio — Prayer

Leader: (similar words to this)

Read the passage again and allow space for you to have a conversation with God, remember to listen as well as speaking. You may also be prompted to pray for someone known to you, your community, your church, the world around the themes, words or phrases you meditated on.

Optional response:

If you would like to record a word or image a person or situation, write on the card and tie it to the tree or pin to board (whatever is appropriate).

Contemplatio — Read the passage a final time and sit quietly to reflect individually.

Leader: (similar words to this)

Your prayer may have taken you in a new direction
Where are you / what speaks to you now?

Ask yourselves, “what’s the one thing from this passage I want to hold on to, to reflect on further?”