LECTIO DIVINA

7 Sept

The Explanation

Lectio Divina is a spiritual practice that has been used for centuries by Christians to grow closer to God. It is a way of listening to God's voice through the Bible and developing a deeper relationship with Him. The practice emphasizes reading scripture prayerfully and slowly, allowing the words to penetrate our hearts and minds. The four-step process of Lectio Divina is: Read, Meditate, Pray, and Contemplate.

Read

The first step of Lectio Divina is to read the passage slowly and prayerfully. As you read, pay attention to what words or phrases stand out to you. Don't rush through this step, and take your time to reflect on the passage.

Meditate

The second step is to meditate on the passage. Read the passage again, and this time, pay attention to the words or phrases that stood out to you in the first step. The goal is to internalize the words and let them sink in. This step is not about analyzing the text but rather about allowing it to speak to you personally.

Pray

The third step is to pray. Read the passage a third time, and allow space for members of the group to pray out short prayers related to the themes, words, or phrases of the passage. Encourage each person to talk to God about what they've learned so far. This step is about responding to what you've read and internalized in the previous steps.

Contemplate

The final step is to contemplate on the passage. Read the passage a final time and sit quietly to reflect individually. Each member of the group might like to ask themselves the question, "What's the one thing from this passage I will take into my week?" This step is about allowing the words to shape your heart and change your life.

By practising Lectio Divina, we can become more attuned to God's voice and develop a deeper relationship with Him. Remember to take your time and be patient throughout the process.

THE PRACTICE

Here are some tips on how to practice Lectio Divina effectively:

Choose a Passage

Choose a passage of scripture that you would like to use for your practice. It can be a short passage, a chapter, or even a whole book. The key is to pick something that speaks to you personally.

Find a Quiet Place

Find a quiet place where you can read and reflect on the passage without distractions. Turn off your phone, TV, and other devices that might disturb your concentration.

Be Open to the Holy Spirit

As you practice Lectio Divina, be open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Allow Him to speak to you through the words of scripture and guide you as you reflect on them.

Take Your Time

Take your time as you work through the four steps of Lectio Divina. Don't rush through the process, but allow yourself to reflect and internalize the words of scripture.

Practice Regularly

Make Lectio Divina a regular part of your spiritual practice. The more you practice, the more attuned you will become to God's voice and the deeper your relationship with Him will grow.

By following these tips, you can develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's Word and grow closer to Him. So, grab your Bible and start practising Lectio Divina today!

This content is part of a study course listed below from 24/7 prayer.