Lectio Divina

Latin for “divine reading” (pronounced lec-tsee-oh di-vee-nah); an ancient way to hear God through Bible reading.

Life is full of noise. It’s often hard to hear the quiet voice of God—but God still speaks to us today and will give us understanding. Lectio divina, the practice of meditating on scripture, helps us hear. Begun in the third and fourth centuries by Christian men and women in the desert, lectio divina became a regular part of monastic life. Christians around the world still practice it as part of their spiritual formation. Use lectio divina with Bible readings for each week.

Prepare Yourself

• Find a quite place for your Bible reading.
• Make yourself comfortable; close your eyes; listen to the sound and rhythm of your own breathing, your own heartbeat; light a candle.
• Practice alone or identify a person(s) to lead the reading and make time for silence.
• After each period of silence, note—out loud, on paper, or in your head— what you heard.

First Reading

• Read passage slowly.
• Listen for a word or phrase that stirs or is meaningful to you.
• Focus on that word or phrase, repeating it.
• Silence for 1 to 2 minutes. Write the word or phrase—or share it out loud.

Second Reading

• Read the same passage slowly again.
• Notice a feeling or image connected to the word or phrase you selected.
• Reflect on the question, “Where does this touch my life today?”
• Silence for 2 to 3 minutes. Write the image or feeling or share it.

Third Reading

• Read the passage slowly a final time.
• Notice the way your word or phrase and feeling or image connect with the context of your life right now.
• Reflect on the questions, “What do I hear God saying to me in my home, work, community, in the world? What is God calling me to?”
• Silence for 2 to 3 minutes. Write your insights or share them.

Respond

• Experiencing God’s presence changes us.
• Listening to God gives us understanding, leads us, turns our hearts and eyes, and confirms us.
• What is God calling you to be or to do as a result of this experience?
• Close with extended silence to meditate on your response.
• Let your heart be filled the peace and love of God.

Readings

Ash Wednesday, February 22 - Psalm 51:1-17

February 26 - Baptisms / Psalm 25:1-10

March 4 - Psalm 22:23-31

March 11 - Psalm 19

March 18 - Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

March 25 - Psalm 119:9-16

April 1 - Psalm 31:9-16

Holy Week

Maundy Thursday, April 5 - John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Good Friday, April 6 - John 18;1-19:42

Easter Morning, Sunday, April 8 - Mark 16:1-8