Lectio Divina is like “Feasting on the Word.” This feast is divided into four parts: first taking a bite (Lectio), then chewing on it (Meditatio), next is savoring the essence of it (Oratio), and finally, the Word is digested and made a part of the body (Contemplatio).
Lectio Divina is a simple and natural way of praying meditatively with the Bible so that the word of God can reach into your heart and mind. This practice is hundreds (maybe thousands) of years old, going all the way back to early believers, and was later practiced by monks. It’s a time when you silence the world around you and let go of your agenda when reading the Bible, so that you can see yourself and the world around you through God’s truth. God will meet you in this practice if you’ll let him. Let’s get started.
First, Slow down. Don’t rush it. Take your time. Back in the day, this practice normally took one hour. Each section should take you a while. Before you begin, make sure you’re somewhere where you will not be distracted. Stop. Be still. Close your eyes and take several deep slow breaths, allowing your muscles to relax. Then take a few seconds and pray this prayer (or something like it):
“God help me to let go of my ideas, my baggage, my past, my future, my understanding, my smarts, and simply let you speak to me. Teach me something, God. I want to know you through your word. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Lectio – Take a bite
Read the passage slowly, while really paying close attention to every word. Read it this way several times. Try writing down words or phrases in the scripture that stick out to you or grab your attention during this moment. Keep slowly reading and rereading until something catches your attention.
Meditatio – Chew on it
What is it that stands out to you? Is it a phrase? A word? An idea? Take it and think on it, thinking about the text in God’s presence. What is God trying to teach you? Why is he trying to teach you this? The Holy Spirit’s “ministry of illumination” will start, in other words, the work of the Holy Spirit can give you spiritual understanding of the text. It is not that God is revealing something new to you and to you only, but it’s the working of the Holy Spirit inside your heart and mind, which can enable you to understand the truth that has been in the scripture all along. Keep doing this until you feel you know what God is trying to teach you and why.
Oratio – Savor its flavor
This is prayer. In this prayer, allow the word that you have taken in to touch and change your deepest self. God invites you to hold up your difficult struggles and pain-filled experiences to him, and to gently recite over them the healing word or phrase he has given you. Surrender. Allow yourself to be touched and changed by the word of God. Keep doing this until you feel that you have allowed God to apply his word to your heart and mind.
Contemplatio – Digest it
This moment is all about a simple, loving focus on God. Thank God for his word, and for revealing truth to you today. Thank him for Jesus. Thank him with your whole heart. Then simply think deeply about God, and joyfully rest in his presence.
