What is Lectio Divina?

Lectio Divina means “divine reading” in Latin. It is a method of prayer goes back to the early monastic tradition. There were not bibles for everyone and not everyone knew how to read. Monks gathered in Chapel to hear a member of the community reading from Scripture. In this exercise, they were taught and encouraged to listen with their hearts because it was the Word of God that they were hearing.

In 1965, the constitution Dei verbum of the Second Vatican Council recommended Lectio Divina to the general public, promoting a prayerful and personal engagement with sacred Scripture. In 2012, its importance was affirmed by Pope Benedict XVI, as a method for deepening one’s relationship with God through Scripture.

The 4 movements of Lectio Divina

“The words of Sacred Scripture were not written to remain imprisoned on papyrus, parchment or paper, but to be received by a person who prays, making them blossom in his or her heart. The Word of God goes to the heart.”
Pope Francis

1. Lectio (Read)

An attentive, slow, repetitious recitation of a short passage of Scripture.

• Familiarise yourself with the passage from Scripture.
• Take your time and slowly read through the passage.
• Read through the passage again, slowly paying attention to any words or phrases that particularly speak to you.

2. Meditatio (Meditate)

Understanding the passage in the context of my own life.

• Select the word or phrase that stands out to you and ask yourself: what is God saying to me? How might this word or phrase relate to my life today?
• Meditate on this piece of text. Ask God as you pray with this piece of Scripture to open your heart to what He would like to say to you.

3. Oratio (Pray)

Conversing with God.

• After you have prayed with the Scripture, you are encouraged to talk to God in your own words, to share with Him everything that connects with the insights that have come to you in the passage.

4. Contemplatio (Contemplate)

Reflecting in God’s presence.

• Take a moment to rest in the presence of God.
• Allow the message of the Scripture you have just read to sink in.
• Let yourself be absorbed in the words of the passage.
• Allow the Holy Spirit to draw you into His presence through the Scripture so that your heart and mind are enlightened.

Spirit of the living God

by Daniel Iverson (1935)

Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.