Lectio divina is a classical monastic method of reading Scripture to find in it the meaning God has for us in our particular lives, in our familiar, everyday situations. It is most often a private practice because it is the immersion of the individual in the promptings of the Spirit as they come through the words of Sacred Scripture. For a fuller explanation of lectio divina, both private and in groups, see the Contemplative Outreach web site, which contains an article written by Fr. Thomas Keating in 1998.
The summary below comes from that article and is meant as an introduction to the monastic practice for individuals.
As practiced by Mothers and Fathers of the Desert, the monastic method of lectio divina is oriented toward contemplative prayer and living a contemplative life. In the practice of lectio, we listen to how God is addressing us in a particular text of scripture. As we listen, there are four moments we encounter:
- reading the scripture,
- responding to the scripture,
- reflecting or ruminating on the passage, and
- resting in the presence of God in that passage and ourselves.
Those moments are located along the circumference of a circle, each moment joined to the center, as well as the other parts of the circle. It is somewhat like the arcs of a wheel being connected both to each other and to the center by the spokes. We are connected both to the scripture and the moment, and all other moments at the same time. The inspiration to move from one arc to another (one moment to another) comes from the Spirit.
In practical terms, what this means is that the reader/listener begins by reading a passage of scripture. Ancient monks would read aloud so that they entered more fully into hearing the word spoken. As the reader hears the words, aloud or in the mind, she finds a phrase that nudges her to pay attention to it. She then “savors” those words, and sits with them awhile, being open to what they have to say to her, at that time, in that life situation.
This kind of open listening means the reader gives up any preconceived notion of what scripture is supposed to mean to him, and lets go of concepts and analyses. lectio is not Bible study, as such. It is letting Scripture form us. Such receptivity expands our minds and hearts and creates a fertile ground for the Spirit. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.” (Psalm 95).
As we “listen” in this attentive way, we may become more aware of the presence of God. We are more receptive, more open, more deeply in tune with the divine within us. As Fr. Keating says
“Lectio divina is a special kind of process, and to benefit fully from its fruits, its integrity has to be respected. The ripe fruit of the regular practice of lectio divina is assimilating the word of God and being assimilated by it. It is a movement from conversation to communion.”
Recommended Books About Lectio Divina
Excerpted from the Contemplative Outreach web site
Aigner, Jill, OSB. Foundations Last Forever: Lectio Divina, A Mode of Scripture Prayer
This small book is not only instructional but traces the tradition of lectio to the 3rd century showing its relevance for the 21st century. Aigner states: “Recent psychological studies of personality types and their prayer preferences show that lectio is a form of prayer not only suitable but suggested for all personality types.”
The reader is gently encouraged to reflect on their intent and personal experience of lectio through the questions at the beginning and end of the book. This book is a reference for those beginning to practice “one of the oldest traditions in the long history of prayer experiences” as well as teach it.
Arico, Carl. A Taste of Silence (Ch. 5), New York: Continuum, 1997.
Within the context of presenting the fundamentals of Centering Prayer, Arico devotes Chapter 5 in his book to the method of Lectio Divina. Arico has a special gift to teach the essentials in a clear and concise way, flavored with a touch of humor.
Casey, Michael, Sacred Reading , Ligouri, Missouri: Liguori/Triumph, 1995.
A book of instruction on the ancient practice of lectio divina, Sacred Reading offers a bold and engaging consideration of this method of prayer. Casey shares many of his insights that come from his faithful practice of this way of praying.
Dumm, Demetrius, Flowers in the Desert, A Spirituality of the Bible, New York: Paulist Press, 1987.
Not just knowing the Bible, but living it is one of the fruits of Lectio Divina. Flowers in the Desert provides a fresh approach to praying with the Scriptures by focusing not just on God’s call to humanity in general, but on the personal call of God to each of us in our particular current circumstances. This book is excellent background reading for those less familiar with the Hebrew and Christian scriptures.
Hall, Thelma, Too Deep for Words, New York: Paulist Press, 1988.
This book is an excellent Lectio Divina text for beginners and at the same time a wonderfully insightful and refreshing approach for those experienced in Lectio Divina. Hall draws from Merton and St John of the Cross and other spiritual masters but never loses sight of the fundamental essence of lectio as a developing love relationship with God. It is a short book (56 pages), but a fully satisfying and delightful treat, something to return to time and again. There is an added bonus at the end of the book of 500 scriptural texts organized under themes such as anxiety, compassion, false self, true self.
Keating, Thomas, Intimacy with God (Ch. 5), New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 1994.
Keating’s talk on Lectio Divina (Ch.5) is a concise explanation of this method of prayer. He also gives a clear explanation of the “four senses” of scripture and how they begin to unfold as a dynamic within one’s own life.