Lectio Divina
“Indeed, the Word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword…and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.”
- Hebrews 4:12
Lectio Divina is an ancient and beautiful method of Biblical prayer. When we read the Scriptures, we should try to imitate the prophet Elijah and listen for the still, small Voice of God; which is God’s Word for us, God’s Voice touching our hearts (1 Kings 19:12).
1. Reading: Read a Bible passage slowly and carefully. (Try Sunday’s Gospel to start.)
2. Meditation: After reading, reflect on the meaning of the passage in your own life.
3. Prayer: Use words to pray to God in your heart.
4. Contemplation: Simply sit for a few minutes in silence in God’s presence.
5. Action: Is there something from my prayer today that I can apply to my life?
St. Ignatius of Loyola particularly emphasized the fruitfulness of imaginative prayer. To engage in this form of prayer, follow the steps of Lectio Divina outlined above. When you reach the second step, meditation, vividly imagine the events described in the Bible passage as if you were there in person. Imagine that you are the sinner at the feet of Jesus or the proud Pharisee.
Lord, inspire me to read your Scriptures and to meditate upon them day and night. I beg you to give me real understanding of what I read, that I in turn may put its precepts into practice. Yet, I know that understanding and good intentions are worthless, unless rooted in Your graceful love. So I ask that the words of Scripture may also be not just signs on a page, but channels of grace into my heart. Amen.
- Prayer by Origen