Introduction to “Lectio Divina” or Spiritual Reading
What is “Lectio Divina” or Spiritual Reading?
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of reading Scripture carefully and prayerfully, seeking to hear God’s word for us this day.
What are the movements of this kind of Spiritual Reading?
Traditionally Lectio Divina has four movements:
1. Reading (Lectio) – A careful, prayerful, expectant reading of a brief Biblical text listening for God’s word to us.
2. Reflection (Meditato) – Probing reflection on the text, pondering connections between the text and what is going on in our lives, individually or as a community.
3. Prayer (Oratio) – Sharing with God what we are hearing, and how we are reacting to what we have heard, lifting up questions, requests, concerns, or joys that grow out of the text.
4. Resting and Waiting (Contemplatio) – Resting in God’s presence and seeking to perceive God’s leading, patiently waiting for insight into what is God asking us to do or be.
What is the difference between spiritual reading and a more academic study of the Bible?
Spiritual reading and the academic study of the Bible are two different ways of seeking God’s guidance through Scripture. Both are important, and these two different methods can complement each other. The academic study of the Bible seeks to hear God’s voice by paying attention to issues such as the historical and literary context of a particular passage, theological doctrines or teachings growing out of the text, and the intent and situation of the original author. Spiritual reading seeks to hear God’s voice by paying attention to the movement of the Spirit in the interaction between the reader and the text, or between the readers, the text, and the group’s conversation around the text.
Is Lectio Divina best practiced alone or in a group?
Traditionally lectio divina is practiced alone, but many find that this kind of spiritual reading and holy conversation also works well within a group of 2 to 12 people.
Why are we beginning to emphasize Lectio Divina at our church?
Our church is moving to an emphasis on Minsitry Teams which have a three fold focus on (1) Fellowship, (2) Discipleship, and (3) Ministry. Lectio Divina can be one helpful way for committees and Ministry Teams to focus on the discipleship. Suggestions for Scripture passages to be used by Ministry Teams will be posted on the church website.
What types of questions are used in Lectio Divina?
Questions and suggestions like the following may be used:
1. As you hear the text read out loud and ponder it, what do you notice? What words or phrases strike you? What do you wonder about?
2. What connections do you see between the text and things going on in our lives, individually, or as a church, or as a community, or as a world. What might God be saying to us through this text?
3. What questions, requests, reactions, concerns or joys would you want to share with God?
4. Continue to ponder the text, attentive to God’s leading.
Where can I find out more about Lectio Divina?
Marjorie Thompson has a helpful introduction to Lectio Divina in her book Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life, or information may be found on the internet.