Reading scripture can be over-whelming. We wonder where to start. How long a passage to read at a time. What the scripture meant then, much less what it means today. A question we don’t always ask is this: How is God using the scripture to talk to ME? I often find this answer through the practice of Lectio Divina.
Lectio Divina is a contemplative practice of reading scripture. Using meditation, scriptural reading, and prayer in an intentional approach, people are able to find deeper communion with God through the living word – a word that continues to reveal itself to us time and time again. Dating back the sixth century with Benedict of Nursia, this practice of scripture reading focusses less on theological study and meaning and more on Christ revealed to us through the living word – what God is telling us today.
Best done with a short passage – really, no more than 3-5 verses, Lectio Divina can completely change how one experiences the written word of God. If this is your first time trying it, I would try it with a portion of Psalm 23 – it’s familiar, but always seems to hold more for us than what we glean at first glance.
Preparing the Heart
When approaching a time of Lectio Divina, I like to have a few moments of quiet, contemplative prayer. This allows me to clear space in my mind and heart for what God wants me to hear/experience in this time of reading. I always start with a prayer that honors where I have been today and what is left to do – I find it helps to bookend the space and hopefully bring forth some peace. When I jump into this space without a time of quiet, I find myself much more distracted during the silent pauses and more apt to pursue my own agenda in the reading rather than God’s. That, in and of itself, is a reason to pause and create holy space for the readings ahead.
Reading – step 1
Once I have quieted my heart and mind, I read the scripture for the first of four times. You read that right, we are going to read the same scripture four times, but with a different intent each time. While reading quietly to ourselves is just fine, I find that when I read the scripture aloud, I am more intentional and less likely to skip over familiar parts – thus being more present with the passage in front of me. When I settle in, I like to have a notebook or a journal handy for any notes I want to take. Between each reading, I take 5 minutes minimum (more if needed) to let the scripture reveal itself to me.
This first reading is simply to hear the scripture, to become acquainted with it and to see how we experience it. Questions to consider during this reading are around the senses: what do I see, hear, taste, feel… Don’t be afraid to put yourself in the scripture to experience it anew. Take five minutes following the reading to consider those questions and make note of anything meaningful or new.
Meditate – step 2
When I read the scripture a second time, I am reading to see what word or phrase really jumps out at me. This step is called “meditate” – so let yourself dwell on those words and see how your heart reacts to them. I always make sure to write these words or phrases down and WHY they spoke to me… what is God trying to reveal to me in those words/phrases?
Pray – step 3
A third reading of the scripture is with the intent of prayer. Since we have already quieted ourselves prior to the first reading, this piece becomes a bit easier. As we read, what prayer is God revealing to you? A prayer for you? for others? How is God trying to speak life into you? I find it very helpful to write this down… all of it, even if it is lengthy. Writing helps us internalize the experience.
Contemplate: step 4
A fourth reading is done in a spirit of gratitude – thanking God for these words and the message God has revealed to you. In our gratitude, what will you carry forth from this experience and reading? How will this scripture change something in your life? What are you being called to do? Again, write it down – even if you don’t like the answers. In writing all of it down, it is there for when you want to reflect back and consider further how God was revealing Godself to you. And at the end of it all, offer a brief blessing of thanks and praise.
Ongoing Practice
Lectio Divina can serve a number of purposes. Deeper personal study, discernment, sermon preparation, call to prayer, etc. And while it is fine to use on an occasional basis, I find great value in doing it regularly for a period of time or a season – such as Lent or Advent. Lectio Divina is one of those practices that will deepen the more you practice. What you receive from it will change over time, as will you. This is just one of many ways to encounter the living word of God and what it has to offer us. I invite you to create space and give it a try – whether it is your first time, or a return to a prior practice. Lectio is truly a gift to the soul and nourishment for the heart.
**During the season of Lent (2021), I will be hosting Lectio Divina sessions online. Doing it in a group context allows us to see how God works differently through the same scripture – it’s quite a wonderful an awe-inspiring experience! Sessions are at noon on Mondays (central time) via zoom. You can sign up here to join us!
