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Lectio Divina, translated from Latin as Divine Reading, is a practice that draws us closer to God as we read Scripture. This is one way to hear God as we seek Him daily. Use this process with each daily reading this week to hear God in His Word.
There are five movements that make up Lectio Divina.
Silencio (quiet preparation of the heart) Come into God's presence, slow down, relax and intentionally release the chaos and noise in your mind to Him.
Lectio (read the Word) Read a Scripture passage slowly out loud, lingering over the words so that they resonate in your heart. When a word or phrase catches your attention, don't keep reading. Stop and attend to what God is saying to you. Be open to the Word. Don't analyze it or judge it. Listen and wait.
Meditatio (meditate) Read the Scripture a second time out loud. Savor the words. Listen for any invitation that God is extending to you in this Word. Reflect on the importance of the words that light up to you. Like Mary, who pondered the Word in her heart, gently explore the ramifications of God's invitation.
Oratio (respond and pray) Read the Scripture a third time. Now is the moment to enter a personal dialogue with God. There's no right or wrong way to do this. The important thing is to respond truthfully and authentically. What feelings has the text aroused in you? Identify where you're resistant or want to push back. Become aware of where you feel invited into a deeper way of being with God. Talk to God about these feelings.
Contempatio (contemplate) Rest and wait in the presence of God. Allow some time for the Word to sink deeply into your soul. Yield and surrender yourself to God. Before you leave, you might consider a reminder that can help you dwell in or incarnate this Word throughout the day.
Adapted from What is Lectio Divina? by Adele Calhoun