A very ancient way to pray and meditate while slowly reading Scriptures could be a brief definition of this 'divine reading'. However, it truly is much more than that! All Christians once practiced it. It is coming back into many Christian circles and ecclesial movements, such as the Third Orders. The clergy has always mastered it, and the monastics preserved it. How is it done, exactly?
Well, let's begin with the reasons for 'lectio divina'. The main one, is that the Bible was never meant to be 'read' as one reads a newspaper or other books, but rather to be 'prayed' as the Word of God, and even to be meditated upon as one 'ingested' this great nourishment meant to strengthen us.
This process can be done individually or in small groups; larger groups are usually divided into 4-5 people for deeper meditation. It is completely different from a Bible study in that no attention is paid to archelogical or linguistic or historical facts. One is grasping at the truth behind the veil, so to speak, or as Pope Benedict XVI sometimes says -'to squeeze the juice out.' This is how Christians used to pray the Bible throughout the centuries.
Lectio Divina contains four interior, spiritual movements -lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio.
In the first one, lectio, one reads small sections of Scriptures [as small as possible without losing the full context, usually a couple of sentences or less] with the heart, as if God had meant that just for oneself. What is He saying to me? Let it 'sink in.' This is the Christian equivalent to the 'Shema Yisrael'...listen to the voice of God, Who speaks directly to you!
In the second movement - meditatio - one deeply considers all meanings in terms of one's life and context, psychological, social, political, business, family, everything that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind and heart. The traditional word Catholics use is 'ruminate'...take into morsels, nibble at it, digest it. This is where 'epiphanies' usually come from!
Oratio is the third movement. It simply means to pray. After considering God's message internally, one begins a conversation with God, maybe for answers to questions, maybe for more insight, maybe to ask for courage or faith. This is a very personal dialogue, a deep and meaningful, interaction with our Maker. He knows us best, and He can see 'around the curve' and into our blind spots, where we cannot. This is where transformations take place!
Finally, the best part! No more reading, understanding, thinking, nor conversing is needed. The fourth movement is - contemplatio - the wordless prayer of simply being in the Presence of God, basking in His love. It is useful to imagine oneself in the near presence of someone one loves dearly. No words are needed; the silence is wonderful! God's presence takes us into Himself. It is a 'peek' behind the veil of eternity. This is where one is ONE with the Lord, as He had always intended it!
After completing the cycle, one can continue in this same rhythym by moving into the next small section of Scriptures, or simply enjoy the closeness to God and the insights acquired until the next session. In this ancient tradition, one encounters the Father, the Son [the Word], and the Holy Spirit [the Love flowing between the Father and the Son] in a very deep way.
Fr. Jim Martin introduces the form of prayer known as lectio divina.
Lectio Divina is practiced regularly by the Third Order Carmelites, as they follow the examples of Carmelites such as St. Therese of Liseaux ['Little Flower'], St. John of the Cross, and st. Teresa of Avila, all contemplatives of renown. Those following St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises may also remember the 'savoring' of the passages, or 'resting' on them, while God works within us.
Meditating on Psalm 23 from Anna.
If you liked this story, you may also like:
Religion 101: How to cultivate Silence?
For more information:
On the Process of Lectio Divina:
http://prayerfoundation.org/lectio_divina.htm
http://catholicbiblestudent.com/2008/07/lectio-divina-methods-ive-been-writing.html
An example of praying the Psalms for Psalm 23:
http://prayerfoundation.org/Psalms/zz_psalm_023.htm
Click here to return to my webpage. 
Get notified as articles get posted! Click on the "Subscribe to Email" button next to my photo on my main page to be notified by email.
Comments
Thank you for writing about lectio divina. The videos are a good addition too. I added a link to this Examiner article on my web site for Benedictine oblates (the Oblate Spring) as an additional resource. Soon everyone will be practicing this “new” ancient method on listening to God through his Word. :)
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!