{"id":292579,"date":"2025-06-14T10:44:42","date_gmt":"2025-06-14T10:44:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/practicing-the-lectio-divina-prayer\/"},"modified":"2025-06-14T10:44:42","modified_gmt":"2025-06-14T10:44:42","slug":"practicing-the-lectio-divina-prayer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=292579","title":{"rendered":"Practicing the Lectio Divina Prayer \u2013"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you\u2019ve ever reread a passage from a book because it was just that good, you\u2019ve already dabbled in lectio divina. Lectio divina, the latin for sacred reading<\/em>, is an ancient spiritual practice of reading prayerfully. <\/strong>The written word is incredibly powerful. Think of the words that shape your life: sacred texts, the books under your pillow, or even your job description or favorite recipes. Our hearts and minds indiscriminately soak up the words around us at an incredible rate, due in part by our place in a technological world. For better or worse, this incredible deluge of information forms our sense of place in the world. Lectio divina offers us a place to refine the words which nourish our heart with gentle repetition of beautiful texts and reflection upon God\u2019s ever-present love. <\/strong><\/p>\n

As you explore this meditative practice , consider starting with your favorite passage of scripture or poem. Begin individually or with a group of folks. A spiritual director<\/a> may also welcome the chance to guide you through this prayer or help you process what you\u2019ve noticed from it.<\/p>\n

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\u201cBy its very nature, meditation is a discipline that enables us to slow down and respond with intentionality to the truth. We might compare this kind of reading to an extended meal that lasts through an evening, where each morsel and course is savored without hurry. We pause, consider, ruminate and take it in at a moderate pace, realizing that if we move too quickly we will miss something important.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Gordon Smith, The Voice of Jesus<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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What is Lectio Divina? <\/h2>\n

Lectio divina, or sacred reading, is not overcomplicated. There are four movements included in this prayer: read, meditate, pray, contemplate.<\/strong> You can easily find meaning in 10 minutes of lectio divina, but you\u2019re welcome to extend that time as you feel comfortable. When you\u2019re ready, settle in to a quiet space, select a passage of scripture (or other written work), and begin.<\/p>\n

Lectio (Read)<\/h3>\n

Begin by reading or listening to a passage of scripture<\/strong>. The passage does not need to be too long; 10-15 verses will do. Many suggest reading the passage 2-3 times either silently or aloud.<\/p>\n

Meditatio (Meditate)<\/h3>\n

After reading or listening to the passage, meditate on the text for a few minutes<\/strong>. Don\u2019t be afraid to use your imagination to picture yourself in the passage. Consider how the scripture is relevant in your own life. Does anything stick out?<\/p>\n

Oratio\u00a0(Pray)<\/h3>\n

When you feel ready, respond with prayer<\/strong>. Aloud, silently, or written in the journal, spontaneous or with a prayer book, long or short, respond in a way that feels right to you in that moment.<\/p>\n

Contemplatio (Contemplate)<\/h3>\n

The final step is to rest in God\u2019s presence<\/strong>. Contemplation is a space where you can set aside \u201cdoing\u201d and prioritize \u201cbeing\u201d with God\u2019s love for you.<\/p>\n

Guided Lectio Divina Resources<\/h2>\n