Have you ever noticed that when you search for an item on the internet, you can organize the information by brand, popularity, price (low to high or high to low), etc.? Each yielding a different set of answers. The same can be said of how we read the Bible. Traditionally, we have been conditioned to follow the inductive Bible study method looking for information, trying to understand the text, and making some application. However, this approach may feed the mind but leave the heart cold because while getting more knowledge about God, we have not gotten closer to God. Hence, the need to consider the Lectio Divina method of reading the Bible.
The purpose of Lectio Divina is to train our minds and hearts to meditate and pray thus promoting one's communion with God and increasing one's knowledge of God’s Word. It does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied but as the living Word. Christian blogger Lauren Washer puts it this way: “Seeds sit in the dark for a long time before they germinate, but that time in the dirt–pushed way down where nothing is visible–is not wasted. Life is there and eventually it will burst forth. Any kind of growth is a process; we need to embrace this process with our faith, believing that the Holy Spirit is doing his transforming work.”
The Lectio Divina method of reading God's Word is divided into four separate steps: Lectio (Read), Meditatio (Reflect), Oratio (Respond) and Contemplatio (Rest). In a nutshell, a person first reads a passage of Scripture, then reflects upon the meaning of the passage, and then followed by a time of prayer and meditation on the passage.
Preparation:
Pick a passage and then spend 15 minutes praying and asking God to give you a quiet heart and mind. We can pray something like, “God, let us hear the word from you…” and spend a few moments sitting quietly to prepare our hearts to hear the words from God.
Lectio (Read):
The first step is to read (or listen to a recording of) the passage slowly, perhaps several times. Listen carefully for any words or phrases that seem to jump out. Wait patiently for God to give gentle guidance.
Meditatio (Reflect):
In the second step, we will continue to focus further on the point(s) we became aware of during the first reading. Slowly and prayerfully and ask: What is God saying to me in this passage? Offering me and asking me? This second step involves meditating upon the words or phrases that seem to jump out.
It is generally advised not to try assigning a meaning but wait for the Holy Spirit to illuminate our spirit, as the passage is meditated upon. For example, Jesus tells his disciples during the Last Supper, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you" (John 14:27). passage the statement by Jesus during the Last Supper in: “An analytical/inductive approach would have us focus on why Jesus said that, the fact that it was said at the Last Supper, and the context within the biblical episode. So rather than "dissecting peace" in an analytical manner, the practitioner of Lectio Divina seeks to "enter peace" and share the peace of Christ. The focus will thus be on achieving peace via a closer communion with God rather than a biblical analysis of the passage.
Oratio (Respond)
After several readings of the passages and meditation, it is time to respond. Respond to God from your heart. Speak to God of your feelings and insights. Record it in your spiritual journal immediately because we are prone to forget what we have learned. We can also respond in prayer which gives us the opportunity for a conversation with God.
Contemplatio (Rest)
Finally, we are ready to read the passage one more time. Sit quietly and pray to God, asking, “What are you saying to me?” Spend some quiet time and wait for God’s message(s) and keep listening. In the end, it might be helpful to jot down God’s messages in a journal about what arose during this time- what did we tell God and how did God respond to us?
Lectio Divina, reading God's Word devotionally, helps us hear specifically and individually from God through the Holy Scripture, guided by the Holy Spirit, and deepens our relationship with Him. Hopefully, this approach will enrich your reading of God's Word and quiet time with God.
For another example of the Lectio Divina approach to reading Scripture, visit:
