Lectio Divina (Article from July 2011)

Learn to read all over again!

When you read the Bible, do you ever feel like the words “go in one ear and out the other”?  Through the Apprentice Study this year I learned a skill that has been practiced by believers for centuries.  Lectio divina, (pronounced "Lec-tsee-oh Di-vee-nah"), literally means “divine reading” or perhaps “divine listening” would be more accurate.  This spiritual practice gives God the opportunity to communicate with us and to show us his will.  The following exercise is based on The Good and Beautiful God, by James Bryan Smith.

Steps of Lectio Divina

1.   Select a passage from the Bible.  To begin with, try Psalm 23 or 1 Cor. 13.  Spend a few minutes relaxing and breathing deeply in order to quiet your thoughts before God.

2.   First Reading—Read through the passage slowly, pausing between each phrase or clause.  (i. e., “The Lord is my shepherd,” [pause] “I shall not be in want,” [pause]…).  After you finish the passage, sit silently and to let the words soak in.

3.   Second Reading—Read through the passage again, pausing between phrases for a little longer this time.  Pay close attention to words or phrases that seem to stand out to you.  Make a mental note of those words and phrases, and after this second reading, write them down.

4.   Third Reading—Reread the passage up to the word or phrase that impacted you before.  When you reach that word or phrase, stop and repeat it several times.

5.   Pondering—Sit quietly and reflect on the phrase that touched you.  Just let the word and your thoughts interact as you mull it over.  Allow personal memories or other verse to come to mind.  Ask yourself, “What might God be trying to say to me?”

6.   Prayer—Make that question a prayer, and take time to listen.  Write down anything that your sense God might be trying to tell you.

7.   Rest— Don’t rush off.  Enjoy this time with God by being still and basking in his company.

8.   Response—Ask yourself what you think you might be called to do as a result of your time with God.  

Think about specific steps you can take to apply what you have experience.

Finally, don’t go into this expecting to have a dramatic spiritual experience (although that often happens).  The purpose of lectio divina is to listen to God—giving him the space to work in us.  As with any new skill, it may feel awkward at first—that’s normal.  Keep practicing lectio divina and you will find that it becomes increasingly natural and rewarding.