In the Lectio Divina, you take a short Bible passage and read it four times. Each time you read the passage you aim to engage the scripture in a slightly different way. In Latin, the sections of the Lectio Divina are 1) Lectio, 2) Meditatio, 3) Oratio, and 4) Contemplatio. In English you can use four “R”s to remember the phases: 1) Read, 2) Reflect, 3) Respond, and 4) Rest.
The 3rd century Church Father Origen of Alexandria was the first to write about the practice of the Lectio Divina. Origen believed that God was incarnate in scripture and that people could be touched powerfully by God through slow purposeful reading of the Bible.
“When you devote yourself to the divine reading,” Origen wrote, “seek the meaning of divine words which is hidden from most people."
As you read a single passage over and over again, new meanings jump out at you. You can encounter God through this process of discovery.
Practice the Lectio Divina:
1) Read (Lectio). Read the passage slowly. What words or phrases jump out at you?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
2) Reflect (Meditatio). Read the passage again. What emotions does it stir up? Is there anything God is saying to you personally through the passage?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
3) Respond (Oratio). Read the passage again. Is there a response or action step God is inviting you to take?
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
4) Rest (Contemplatio). Read the passage one last time. Allow the divine reading to sink in.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
Prayer: God, thank you for your Word. Reveal your Word to me.
