Lectio Divina
Br. Michael OCSO
What does Lectio Divina mean?
The literal translation is "Divine Reading"
What is Lectio Divina, Really?
How about a way to Know God. Or, if you prefer Sacred Reading, the title of a book by Michael Casey OCSO on the subject. Another way to look at it is simply a prayerful reading of scripture.
What Lectio IS and IS NOT:
Lectio IS the prayer of the monk
Lectio IS meditative
Lectio IS to be changed through Sacred Reading
Lectio IS to be formed, NOT informed
Lectio IS NOT Bible Study
Lectio IS NOT concerned with theology
What are the four stages of Lectio?
1) Lectio- Very Slow Prayerful Reading. Example given: Think of a cow chewing on cud.
Silent/Interior Reading
Reading Aloud
Writing of Scripture (Copying the Psalms into a notebook)
Read Slowly +UNTIL+ a word, or words, touches your HEART (not your head). Once this happens, STOP READING IMMEDIATELY. Go no further. Do not finish the sentence, the page the chapter. Stop.
"Listen with the ear of your heart"
2) Meditatio- Pondering, Reflecting, Asking "why"
"Why did God give me this word/these words?"
Reflection must be made personal and concrete, not conjectural and ideal based.
"I was impatient when _____", or "God gave me patience when ______" is better than "Patience is good and virtuous". Consider how--in concrete examples--it pertains to your life.
3) Oratio- Reply or Response to Meditatio (Stage 2)
Pray Directly and Personally. Be AUTHENTIC. No rote prayer. Don't hide behind Hail Marys and Lord's Prayers. If you know it, say it. God knows it already. He is just waiting for you to say it too. Say it. Don't leave it as implied, or say "God knows". Of course he does, you are the one with the need. You NEED to say IT.
Prayer should always lead to change, conversion, behavior modification. Change to be Christ-like.
4) Contemplatio- Being With God.
Don't forget this stage. Don't skip it.
Being with God without words or thoughts. Enjoying God's company and letting God enjoy yours. Characterized by comfortable silence.
Where should I begin?
Start with the Psalms, Move into the Gospels and Epistles. Before you finish with that, you will have probably finished this life and have moved on to the next.
How long should it take?
To start with, try 15 minutes a couple of times a day, morning and evening. If you can do more, then by all means, do more. As in any conversation, the actual time spent will depend on both paries involved. You can also take your Lectio with you throughout the day. Write down your words, and work the steps at different breaks in your day.
