Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading)
Lectio Divina is a a very ancient art, practiced at one time by all Christians. It is a slow, contemplative way of reading and praying the Scriptures that develops in us the ability to hear the words that God is speaking to us.
What does it mean?
Lectio (pronounced "lex-ee-o") means 'reading.'
Divina (pronounced "dih-vee-nah") means 'holy' or 'sacred'.
How do I practice Lectio Divina?
The practice of lectio divina requires that you first quiet yourself in order to hear God's word to you. Find a quiet place that is free from as many distractions as possible.
There are 6 steps to follow in Lectio Divina:
1. Select a passage from the scriptures that you will read.
You can choose a text at random or you can use daily scripture reading outline such as The Daily Office, the Book of Common Prayer or The M'Cheyne Bible Calendar. We suggest that if you are new to the practice of Lectio Divina you begin in the book of Psalm or the stories of Jesus. The goal is to hear or sense God speaking to you. The goal is not to read through a large amount of the bible in one sitting.
2. Spend some time in silence.
Ask God to prepare your mind and heart to hear what he has to say to you today.
3. First Reading
Read through the passage, reading it at a slow and deliberate pace.
In silence ask God to reveal to you a word or a short phrase. You may need to read through the passage again. Be aware of your thoughts and feelings. What word or phrase seems to have caught your attention and may be repeating in your mind? What word or phrase seems to be causing an emotional response in you?
4. Second Reading
Read through the passage a second time, reading it at a slow and deliberate pace.
In silence ask God to reveal to you the reason why He gave you this word or short phrase. What thoughts come to your mind as consider this question? What are you reminded of in your life?
Meditation can be difficult at times - often your concentration will be interrupted by random thoughts that go through your mind. Offer the random thoughts to God and continue in meditation.
5. Third Reading
Read through the passage a third time, reading it at a slow and deliberate pace.
In silence as God to reveal to you what He would like you to do with this word. This is a very practical exercise. You are asking God how He would like you to respond to the word or phrase that He gave to you.
6. Prayer of Thanksgiving
Spend some time speaking with God about your experience. Thank Him for his revealed word that was given to you. Talk to him about your thoughts and feelings that you experienced during your time of prayer and meditation. Tell him about your decisions that you have made to change a behaviour, attitude or pattern of thinking that you heard him speaking to you about during the third reading. You have been in the presence of God.