Lectio divina literally means “divine reading.” Another meaning is to read scripture paying attention to the heart. It is a devotional way of opening oneself to God’s Word. Lectio Divina is a method of taking scripture into our hearts and lives and out to others.
In this approach to scripture, one proceeds through several phases, each of which asks a different question for deep contemplation and consideration. This manner of meditating upon scripture has been around since the 12th century, these phases had Latin names originally, but do not let that deter you from this profound manner of meditating upon God’s Word.
Reading – Read a passage of scripture slowly and let it sink deeply into your soul. A brief passage would be best. What does the text say that people would most commonly understand it to say?
Reflection – Read the passage again, in a different translation if possible, and pay attention to how this scripture impacts your heart. In prayerful silence, what do you notice? Don’t work at it too hard or try to figure it out. Simply open your heart to it and notice what emerges for you. What is the text saying to you today?
Response – Read the passage a third time in yet another translation. What do you desire to say to God in response to this passage? Does it raise something for you to confess, or to express gratitude, or to question? What can you say to the Lord in response to this text?
Rest – Read the passage a last time and let it rest in your soul. This is where you let go of your agendas, thoughts, and opinions and allow the Word of God to actually change your heart at the deepest level of your being. What is God asking you to be willing for God’s grace to change in your life? How do you need to be transformed by this Word? How do you need to take this Word into your life?
Action – This phase is not in the original movement of practicing this approach to scripture primarily because it goes without saying. If your heart has been changed by God’s Spirit working through this passage, how would you act on it as a gift to others in the world? What is God calling you to do or how is God asking you to be different in attitude today in response to this scripture?
These phases are guidelines, not rules. Pausing for prayerful silence between readings slows us down so the scripture can have a deeper impact on our lives. The Word of God is alive and active and will transform each of us if we open ourselves to receive what God wants to give us.
A variation of lectio divina for groups is commonly referred to as an African Bible Study. Click on the drop down tab under lectio divina for a description of this structure.