What is Lectio Divina?

The Art of Divine Reading

A short teaching about Lectio Divina - Louise Bradshaw

A short video demonstrating the practice of Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina, meaning "divine reading," is an ancient spiritual practice that involves a slow and reflective reading of Scripture. It dates back to the 3rd century, during the monastic movement as well as the Catholic Church and Protestant Reformation. The practice is rooted in the belief that the Bible is alive and active through the presence of the Holy Spirit, and it is engaged with for personal transformation.

This practice helps us to be open to God’s initiatives and takes us beyond our cognitive knowing, into a place of responsive prayer. As we learn to read for relationship, transformation within our souls starts to take place. It cannot be treated as an academic study, nor is it like a daily reading plan where you need to stay on track to finish reading.

The Western mindset teaches us to read for information as a gathering process and places the reader as the master of the text. We have become adept at quickly cramming in information. The primary motivation with this mindset is ‘mastery’. We control what we read and gather information for our purposes or needs, such as proving a point. Most of us have preconceived filters, such as life experiences, doctrinal systems, feelings, and biased thoughts, which affect what God is trying to communicate to us through His scripture.

The Bible is not meant to be treated as a copy-and-paste of ‘do’s and don’ts’ that we can tweet or post online. None of that changes us. The Bible’s goal is to transform us slowly over time. Mediating on the Word of God teaches us to engage not only our minds but also our hearts, emotions, bodies, curiosity, imagination and even our wills. Our motivation is that of a lover, much like reading a love letter, which is to have a listening heart.

It can be challenging to let go of our plans and allow God to take control of our lives. However, when we do, we can hear God's voice through Scripture and respond with our hearts and souls, rather than just our intellect. This loving response takes us beyond seeking facts and connects us on a deeper level, moving from our minds into our hearts.

Lectio Divina’s process unfolds in 5 basic movements -  Preparation, Reading, Reflection, Response and Rest!

  • Be Patient.

    You may feel clumsy and awkward to begin with! Don’t worry this will soon fade, as you familiarise yourself with these basic steps. The more you practice, the more you will enjoy it and soon you can improvise.

    You will feel resistance.

    Don’t give up! Lean into those feelings and move through them towards God.

    Don’t Judge Yourself

    This isn’t a “succeed or fail” project. There is no right or wrong, so no feeling guilty. This is simply learning to hear God through His Word. 

  • Start small.

    Start with a few verses and work your way up to the 8 verses.

    Begin by setting aside time twice a week and work your way up to every day. Find what works for you.

  • Find a place and time that suits you.

    You will need about 10 - 15 minutes. Put away all devices and distractions. Get comfortable and relax your body.

    Select your Scripture.

    You only need to use 6 - 8 verses. The Psalms and the Gospels are a good place to start.

    Enter into Silence.

    Invite Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. Exhale, let go of the busyness of life and let God absorb the noise and distraction of the world until you can sense His presence or peace. 

  • Read the scripture out loud.

    Listen with your heart, for a word or phrase that strikes or intrigues you. Take your time, pausing in between the phrases.

    Examine your internal responses

    You could feel a resonance or resistance. Sometimes both responses come through, within the same word or phrase.

    Allow yourself to sit in that space.

    Be content to listen, be open and don’t allow any self-judgement to come in.

  • Read the passage a second time.

    Listen to the way that the passage connects personally to you. Try not to think too much about the whole passage.

    Go back to the word/phrase that stood out and explore your thoughts and impressions. Ask yourself some questions:

    Why did I need to hear that?

    What am I resonating with?

    What am I resisting?

    What is confusing?

    What emotion am I feeling?

  • Read the Scripture once again.

    Move into a personal dialogue with God by asking Him questions. Listen for His answers. Remember that most of the time the answers will come through the text…

    Why am I responding like this?

    What are you inviting me to?

    What are you challenging me with?

    What is my unedited response to your invitation or challenge?

    Explore and share your answers with God.

    Has He touched a place of pain, frustration, anger etc? Pour out your response and feelings freely to God in prayer.

    Do you feel the weight of sin?

    Allow yourself to experience it fully. Confess it to Him.

    If you feel overwhelmed by His love, learn to embrace it instead of fleeing.  

    Ask God how you can live out what He has revealed to you.

  • Reread through the passage with His Truth in mind

    Rest in God and simply enjoy His peace.