(Or click the link below for a printable version!)
“Lectio Divina”, Latin for “sacred reading,” is an ancient practice of quiet prayer and reflection, reading scripture and listening to the voice of God, dating back to about 300AD. Lectio can be done alone or in a group. There are 4 sections to Lectio which we will follow. The whole process should take about 30-40 minutes.
REMEMBER:
- Posture is important. Sit straight up, feet on the floor, hands in your lap or to your sides. This is important to attentive listening. While this process can be restful, it is a time to be attentive to God’s voice.
- This time is your gift to God. It’s not about whether you get something out of it or not. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t “get it.”
- Your mind will wander. Recognize that this happens, even to those who practice Lectio often. When you catch yourself, refocus and continue. They don’t call them “spiritual practices” for nothing!
LECTIO – read (5-7 minutes)
Scripture passage for today: (For example... Mark 10:46-52. Choose your own! =)
- READ through the passage of scripture two or three times
- LISTEN for a specific word or phrase that catches your attention
- Word or phrase: ___________________________________________________
MEDITATIO – think (5-7 minutes)
- “Meditate” literally means “to gnaw”, as a dog gnaws on a bone.
- Actively think about your word or phrase
- Ask: Why is it important? How does it make me feel?
- “Shine a spotlight on it” – look at the word or phrase from different angles
- Put yourself into the scene. What do you feel and see?
- You can write notes below.
ORATIO – pray (8-10 minutes)
- Ask, “God, why did you give me this word? Why do I feel this way about this phrase?”
- Listen for a response. Follow your active thoughts (not your distraction thoughts)
- Be patient.
- Move into the heart of the matter. Feel deep feelings. Consider the following questions as you respond to God:
What do I want to communicate to God?
What am I longing for in my relationship with God?
What do I desire in my prayer life?
What secrets of my heart are ready to be expressed? Is there joy? grief? fear? gratitude?
CONTEMPLATIO – Live (5-7 minutes)
- Rest in the love and presence of God, feel his closeness
- Thank God for this word.
ACTIO – Action (3-5 minutes)
- Ask yourself the following questions in utter honesty:
How is God challenging me?
Is there a good thing God is calling me to do?
Is there a harmful thing God wants me to stop doing?
What is the next step I need to take?
- Decide on a course of action (large or small). Make the commitment and follow through with your plan.