LECTIO DIVINA

“Above all it’s the Gospels that occupy my mind when I’m at prayer; my poor soul has so many needs, and yet this is the one thing needful. I’m always finding fresh lights there, hidden and enthralling meanings.” - St. Thérèse of Lisieux

“When you open the Holy Gospel, think that what is written there—the words and deeds of Christ—is something that you should not only know, but live. Everything, every point that is told there, has been gathered, detail-by-detail, for you to make it come alive in the individual circumstances of your life.” – St. Josemaria Escriva

“The New Testament lies hidden in the Old, and the Old is unveiled in the New” – St. Augustine of Hippo

History

The term Lectio Divina is Latin for “divine reading,” which is a process of opening oneself up to God in the reading of the Word. For many people in our churches, Sunday morning is the first time that they are hearing the readings for that day. And while it is amazing that they have made it to Mass to celebrate the mystery of God’s love for us, it can be hard to get anything out of the readings if one has not engaged with them ahead of time. Though many people cannot accommodate daily Mass during the week, the readings continue throughout the week, each day, and paint a fuller picture of the progression of the story of salvation history. The Church has beautifully woven together the lectionary of readings that complement one another, and when you arrive each Sunday, you will get a piece of that story. Lectio Divina is an opportunity to dive deeper into God’s Word and to familiarize yourself with the Scriptures. This prayer practice is not a quick or mere reading of the words on the page, but a process that invites us to bring our whole selves to the Scriptures, to see ourselves in the story of salvation history, and most importantly, to feel God’s presence and to hear Him speak to us. St. Benedict of Nursia is often credited for the promotion of Lectio Divina as a prayer practice, as it appears in the Rule of St. Benedict, a rule of life written for those living in monastic communities. It is likely however that the Church Fathers encouraged the practice of Lectio Divina even earlier. The laity did not always have access to the Bible as we do today, and many could not read, so Lectio wasn’t a practice that was always accessible to all people. But with improvements in technology and education, over time this has become a more popular prayer practice for the people of God in all states of life.

How to Pray Lectio Divina

Time needed: 10-20 minutes

Select a Scripture passage. Before starting your prayer, select a passage from Scripture to use for your Lectio Divina. It can be from the Old or New Testament, but it shouldn’t be too long. The length of a reading from Mass works well. Often, people choose to pray with a reading from the day’s Lectionary or the Mass for the upcoming Sunday.
Prepare for prayer. Before entering into the prayer, prepare yourself physically and mentally. Begin by sitting comfortably, placing both feet on the ground, with posture upright and hands open on your lap as if waiting to receive a gift from God. Then, abandon any agenda, worries or thoughts you bring to this prayer and entrust these things to the providence of God. Ask for the grace to be receptive to what God will speak to you through this Scripture reading.
Read (lectio). Begin by slowly and meditatively reading your Scripture passage out loud. Listen for a particular word or phrase that speaks to you at this moment and sit with it for a time.
Meditate (meditatio). Read the same passage a second time. As you re-engage the text, let the word or phrase that stood out become your invitation to dialogue with God. Allow the word or phrase to wash over you and permeate your thoughts and feelings.
Pray (oratio). Read the text a third time. What is God saying to you in these words? What do you want to say to God? What feelings do these words raise up in you? Share your answers with God.
Contemplate (contemplatio). Read the text a final time. As you do, release the word or phrase you have been praying with. Be still and rest in God’s embrace. What gift has God given you to take away from this prayer? To what action might God be inviting you? Thank God for this gift and invitation as you conclude your prayer.

As seen on “How to Practice Lectio Divina, pray with Scripture” from McGrath Institute for Church Life Blog. Click here for information.

Tips

Purchase a Bible you really love and enjoy reading! Having a Bible that is attractive and that we enjoy spending time with makes all the difference when trying to settle into prayer. While there are many different translations of the Bible in circulation today, please be sure to consult this list of translations approved by the USCCB before making your purchase!
You may have plans to read a whole psalm or a whole chapter of a particular book in the Bible but are stopped dead in your tracks by the first line you read. This is okay! If you feel the Lord calling you to pause and stay with a particular word of phrase (even if that word or phrase is puzzling to you or seemingly insignificant to the overall message of the story, press into it and ask God to reveal to you what it is that He has in store for you here.
There can be a tendency to read the stories in the Scriptures as totally divorced from our reality and life today. However, it is important to read ourselves into these stories: how does what Jesus is saying apply to your life? In which of the people in the stories do you see yourself? How does this relate to the hardships you are going through – what might God be trying to speak into that situation in your life through this passage? As members of God’s family, this is our history, our family tree, this is our story. You are meant to find yourself here.
If you are praying Lectio Divina with others, fight the temptation to feel like there is a “right” or a “wrong” conclusion to walk away with after the end of time spent on Lectio. Praying Lectio Divina with others is always a beautiful experience because five people could read the same passage, and the Lord could speak to them in five completely different ways. Do not be searching for the smartest thing you could say or the most insightful, just go where the Spirit leads you.

Need Help? Unsure Where to Start?

Digital Resources on Lectio Divina:

If you would prefer to read the Scriptures online, check out the daily readings here on the USCCB website or feel free to use BibleGateway.com (and select one of the approved translations) to have access to the whole Bible online – both of these resources are free!
There are lots of great apps that allow you to listen to and reflect on the daily readings. Check out Hallow, IBreviary, and Amen (Augustine Institute) are just a few.
Hallow Dailies | 10 Minute Catholic Prayer | Lectio Divina
How to Do Lectio Divina (feat. Brother Lawrence) + Catholic 101
How to Pray Lectio Divina, Four Part Series with Fr. Mark Toups
Why you NEED Lectio Divina

Print Resources on Lectio Divina

Check out the free Prayer Enrichment Guidebook from the McGrath Institute for Church. It includes seven traditional types of Catholic prayer, including Lectio Divina. Click here to get a free copy!
Ministries such as Magnificat and Give Us This Day have subscription plans that provide you with books that include the daily readings and reflections. Though having a Bible in your home is always a good idea, this is a great way to have easy access to the daily readings.
Praying Scripture for a Change: An Introduction to Lectio Divina Workbook by Tim Gray
Some recommended Bibles: Great Adventure Bible (Ascension Press), Word on Fire Bible, Ignatius Press Catholic Study Bible, The Ave Catholic Note Taking Bible (Ave Maria Press), Living Word Catholic Women’s Bible (Ave Maria Press)