Lectio Divina is a way of becoming immersed in the Scriptures so they surround you and draw you into the meaning of God’s word. It translates as divine reading.

History

Origen in the third century believed that the Logos, The Word, was incarnate in Scripture so could live within those who read it and heard it, teaching them in the process. The Christian form of Lectio Divina was first introduced by St Gregory of Nyssa in the fourth century. The Desert Fathers and Mothers began to seek God in the deserts of Palestine and Egypt and began a tradition of constant prayer in monastic settings.

Lectio Divina was encouraged by St Benedict of Nursia, the founder of the
Benedictine order, in the sixth century, as a way of developing a closer relationship
with God by reflecting prayerfully on his words. He inaugurated this particular variant
of private scriptural prayer for his monks. The monks would rise in the early hours of the morning and their days were long. The practice worked its way through the monasteries of Western Europe gaining popularity. Guigo the second wrote The Ladder of Monks which describes a process of methodical prayer – reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation are the steps of his ladder.

In later centuries Lectio Divina lost its appeal somewhat as people moved towards a historical critical approach to the Bible. It was not until the 20th century it had a comeback with books about it being written and sold to the public, not just those
living in religious communities. Pope Benedict the sixteenth spoke about its importance, perhaps unsurprisingly, and Lectio Divina was back. 

What is Lectio Divina?

Scripture helps us to become closer to God and to have a living relationship with Him. But it also helps our fellowship with our Christian family. Just as
Jesus shared the scriptures with His disciples, we can share with each other. So this
method of prayer works really well with a group as well as individually. Lectio Divina encompasses the Holy Trinity and our Christian family. 

Lectio Divina consists of four elements: 

Reading (lectio) 
Reflection (meditatio)
Response (oratio)
Rest (contemplatio) 

It is a way of praying through the scriptures with the hope and trust that God will open His words to us and enables us to let go of our personal preconceptions and listen for God.

Practice

Make sure the space that you are using is quiet and comfortable and that the prayer
time will not be disturbed. A candle may be lit or a cross might be held. Have a Bible
ready. If you are praying as part of a group use the same translation. Consider the time needed for this to be beneficial. At first, being in silence feels rather strange as we are so used to the noise and quick pace of the world around us, but this strangeness soon becomes comfortable and reassuring.

Try it yourself 

Reading

Read it. Slowly, aloud, savour each word. Read it again! Read it with your eyes, read it with your mind, read it with your heart. Open yourself up to God.

Reflection

Close your eyes. Take some deep breaths. Take time to digest, to savour, to cogitate. Contemplate. What is God saying to you through this passage? Is there a word or a phrase that has grabbed your attention? Is there a word or phrase that you haven’t noticed before? Has it moved you? Take note of the emotions that you are feeling. Are you overwhelmed by anything? Are you questioning anything?

Response

Pray this passage. Ask God for His guidance. Ask for the Holy Spirit
for the gift of insight and understanding. Ask Jesus to walk with you as you journey through these words. Pray for understanding of the significance of the word or phrase that really stood out. Does it have some personal significance in life at the moment? Pray for clarity.
Is God allowing for a deeper understanding of His word? If so, why? Prayer can help to discover what part God wants us to play in His work.

Rest

Take some time to rest. Some time just to be still. This is a time to let go of all thoughts and words. The absence of all thought is not an emptiness, rather it is a fullness obtained when completely in God’s presence. It is a stillness within the heart and soul, a moment of complete calm and acceptance of all that the prayer might have brought.

The benefits of Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina encourages conscious engagement with silence and personal reflection on the scriptures read. It opens up the space, and heart and soul, to the richness of God’s spirit and voice, allowing for a confident reading. Inviting God to be in the space as the Scripture is read helps to really centre your mind on what was read and to connect with it on a much deeper level.

Unlike studying the Bible on an intellectual level, Lectio Divina is a great way to allow ourselves to let go of our own agendas and to be completely open to God’s voice and guidance. It is a profoundly peaceful practice and deeply personal. Having practiced it as a group, it is interesting to note that we had each taken something different away, having heard God’s voice in our own individual way, speaking to our individual circumstances and prayer.

I would encourage every Christian to try Lectio Divina and connect with God on a personal, deep level feeling the Holy Spirit working through you. 

By Elaine Shanks