LECTIO DIVINA – DIVINE READING

Lectio Divina is an old Benedictine practice that enables reflection on Scripture. There are four basic phases:

1. Read
2. Meditate
3. Pray
4. Contemplate

You can do this on your own, but it can be even more helpful to pray with at least one other.

• Begin by praying together,
  Gracious God,
  who caused Holy Scripture to be written for our learning:
  Grant us so to hear, read, mark, learn,
  and inwardly digest them,
  that we may embrace the hope of abundant life,
  which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
  Amen.

• Read the selected passage aloud and listen for a word or phrase that strikes you as significant. At this stage it doesn’t matter why it’s significant, just underline it. Now be silent and pray.

• Share (or write) the word or phrase that seemed significant with one another.

• Read the selected passage aloud again. If possible use another version of the Bible. Now go beyond the text and ask yourself: “Where does this passage touch my life today?” Silent reflection.

• Share (or write) your response to the question. If someone is telling you their reflection your job is just to listen.

• Read the passage aloud for the third time, and ask yourself:
  What do I believe God wants me to do or be?
  Is God inviting me to change in any way?
  Silent reflection on questions and Scripture.

• Share (or write) your reflections. You may offer feedback and discussion.

• Pray for yourself/the person/people you have meditated with and then conclude together with these words:
  God, you call us to serve you with all the strength we have:
  you are faithful to those you call;
  may Jesus’ resurrection raise us if we stumble,
  the Christlight beckon us if we lose our way,
  and we shall have strength once more
  to walk with you to the cross.
  Amen.