Lectio Divina
What is Lectio Divina?
Lectio Divina is a way of reading scriptures that requires us to slow down, focus on what we are reading, and anticipate the Lord speaking to us from that text. In this particular reading, we aren’t doing a word study or looking into context or historical references. This way of reading the scripture is to foster a rhythm of hearing from Jesus from a particular passage and applying it to our day to day lives. The format is as follows:
Lectio (Read)
The first time reading the passage, it is an opportunity to get to know the passage. What words or phrases jump out at you? You aren’t in a rush to glean something right away, rather patiently working through the text, knowing God wants to speak.
Meditatio (Reflect)
Once you have read through the text slowly, re-read the text a second time. See if those same words that jumped out the first time still remain the words you are drawn to the second time. Take some time reading over this section that jumps out at you. After you have read, spend a few moments quietly reflecting on what you think the Lord might be saying to you in this text.
Oratio (Respond)
Re-read the text a third time. After you have read the text, grab a journal and respond to the text. What do you think God is saying? Write down questions that might still come up for you as you read, knowing God might want to answer of those questions in this time, or as you go through your day, those questions might be answered in other ways. This nurtures the idea of the ongoing communion we are invited into as we follow Jesus daily.
Contemplatio (Rest)
After you have finished reading, spend 5-10 minutes in quiet. Allow the words of scripture that have been filling your mind to continue to ruminate and see how God wants to continue to speak. How is God inviting you to participate with him and his kingdom in this day? How does the text you’ve read reveal his character and his desire to be your source in this day?
Scripture Texts for Lectio Divina
Psalm 23
Mark 4
Luke 5:18-25
Psalm 1
Luke 4:14-21
John 1: 1-18
Isaiah 40:1-8
Revelation 21:1-8
Philippians 2:5-11
Ephesians 3:14-21