Lectio Divina
*For a PDF version of these instructions and background, click HERE
Latin for “Divine reading” – Lectio is way of approaching scriptures that invites us to let go of our own agendas and open ourselves for the Spirit of God to speak to us in and through the scriptures. It is NOT exegesis – in this practice, we aren’t looking for “what the scripture means” or what the writers were trying to say to their readers. It is a personal reading - unique to a particular moment in time - and is more about spiritual openness than any effort to correctly understand or comprehend. As such, it is often considered a way of “Praying the scriptures”
History:
Long tradition, deep roots - 3rd century CE at least
Central to many monastic traditions
St. Benedict spoke of the practice as cultivating the ability to listen deeply with the “ear of our hearts”
In the 12th Century, the process was formalized into four steps (see below)
Traditionally practiced privately, but is now often practiced in group settings (as we will do so today)
Process:
Lectio (Reading) – Hear the word (to you, right now)
Selected scripture will be read twice. Listen for the word or phrase from the passage that attracts you or stands out to you. Allow it to echo in your heart and mind. Sit with it in the silence which follows (1 min.). When given the opportunity to share, say aloud only that word or phrase (without elaboration).
Meditatio (Meditation) – How is my life touched?
Scripture will be read again. Listen for how the passage touches your life today. Consider possibilities or receive sensory impressions during the silence which follows (2 min.) Allow it to interact with your thoughts, hopes, memories, and desires. When given the opportunity to share, offer a sentence or two of how you feel the passage may speak to your life, perhaps beginning with words like “I hear…, I see…, I sense…, etc.”
Contemplatio (Contemplation) – Listening for God’s Invitation (for you)
Scripture will be read one final time. Listen to discover how God may be speaking to you and inviting you into deeper relationship and/or service. Ask yourself, “What is God inviting me to do or to become in this time?” Open yourself to God’s transforming presence in the silence that follows (2 min.) When given the opportunity to share, briefly share your sense of invitation.
Oratio (Prayer) – Praying for your response
Gathered in a circle, pray (whether aloud or silently) for God to help you respond to the invitation or message received this day.
Genesis 18:1-15 (CEB)
1 The Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre while he sat at the entrance of his tent in the day’s heat. 2 He looked up and suddenly saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them, he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bowed deeply. 3 He said, “Sirs, if you would be so kind, don’t just pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought so you may wash your feet and refresh yourselves under the tree. 5 Let me offer you a little bread so you will feel stronger, and after that you may leave your servant and go on your way—since you have visited your servant.”
They responded, “Fine. Do just as you have said.”
6 So Abraham hurried to Sarah at his tent and said, “Hurry! Knead three seahs of the finest flour and make some baked goods!” 7 Abraham ran to the cattle, took a healthy young calf, and gave it to a young servant, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then Abraham took butter, milk, and the calf that had been prepared, put the food in front of them, and stood under the tree near them as they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where’s your wife Sarah?”
And he said, “Right here in the tent.”
10 Then one of the men said, “I will definitely return to you about this time next year. Then your wife Sarah will have a son!”
Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were both very old. Sarah was no longer menstruating. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, I’m no longer able to have children and my husband’s old.
13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Me give birth? At my age?’ 14 Is anything too difficult for the Lord? When I return to you about this time next year, Sarah will have a son.”
15 Sarah lied and said, “I didn’t laugh,” because she was frightened.
But he said, “No, you laughed.”