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The words “Lectio Divinia” simply mean “holy reading.” They signify an impulse by the
early Christians to treat the Bible differently than the academic and philosophical books
of the Hellenistic culture in which early Christianity took root. The modern practice of
Lectio Divina shared below stems from the works of Benedict of Nursia who was an
early monk and mystic seeking to pull the Church away from secularism. (Benedictine’s
ministry occurred during the early 500s.)
The process below is most closely associated with Roman Catholicism, however, it
should be noted that the many Catholics who have nurtured this tradition share much in
common with the Protestant movement- including emphasis on a personal walk with
Jesus, and the centrality of the Bible in Christian life. In that sense, Lectio Divinia
represents an attempt at reform within Catholicism. For that reason, many Anglicans and
Lutherans have kept the practice alive even after they split with Rome. Many of our
modern Protestant notions of “quiet time” devotionals are echoes of Lectio Divina and
other practices which many dismiss as being “too Catholic.”
This exercise can be done alone or in a group setting. In group settings, a conversation
may follow so that people can share their experiences with God. If you choose to do this
exercise alone, consider journaling your thoughts so that you can keep track of how God
is moving inside you.
Lectio Divina is a form of study and a form of prayer. It is also an intense form of private
or small-group worship. If possible, you may want to set up the room in which you will
be practicing this exercise to allow you to be open to worship.
In the Bible, there are elements common to worship including music, lamps or candles,
and incense. Consider using background music (I prefer Taize or Eden’s Bridge) to help
drown out ambient noises if absolute silence doesn’t work for you. Also, light a candle as
a reminder that the Holy Spirit is within you and seeks to teach you the deep things of
God. Artwork, mirrors, and pillows for kneeling may all help you prepare for the
experience. Of course, God does not need ambience to do His work, so none of these
things are necessary to Lectio Divina. If some of the things I’ve suggested would only
distract you or if you prefer the simplicity of reading and praying in what ever
environment you find yourself in, by all means, ignore these suggestions about sacred
space.
I. Lectio - reading/listening
Once you have selected a passage, read through it as slow as you possibly can.
Intentionally make yourself resist the Western impulse to absorb information. You aren’t
trying to inhale facts, you are trying to hear the still, small voice of God speak through
the words on the page.