Slow, prayerful reading: read, meditate, pray, rest
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
PSALM 119:103 (KJV)
Lectio Divina is the ancient practice of devotional reading. The goal of Lectio Divina isn’t greater knowledge or intellectual ascent of a passage, but to read and sit with a passage devotionally. Encountering God’s Presence in Scripture, and listening for the specific invitation from the words to us. Lectio Divina is centered around 5 movements, each meant to guide us more deeply towards God’s Presence with us.
Silencio
Begin with silence and some deep breaths. Become aware of God’s Presence with you. Set down the distractions, the things that are running through your mind, and all the unfinished work that needs to be completed. Turn back to God.
Lectio
Spend time reading the passage out loud. Slowly - this isn’t a race. Pause and linger over any words, phrases, or images that draw you in. What do you notice?
Meditatio
Read the passage again, for a second time. Read out loud and slowly once again, savoring both the passage and this moment with God. What is God inviting you to do?
Oratio
Read the passage a third time. This time have a dialogue with God as you are reading. How are you responding to God’s word to you? Where is the passage drawing you in? Where do you notice yourself pushed away by the passage? What do you want God to know?
Contemplatio
End where you began. With God in silence. Allow some time for the words you just read to sink deeply into your soul. Yield and surrender before God.
RESOURCES
Lectio 365 (free app from 24-7 Prayer)
Daily guided prayer; the morning devotional is inspired by Lectio Divina, in written and audio versions