Lectio Divina (Reading Scripture)

What is it?
Lectio Divina is a way to use Scripture to engage in a conversation with God and to reflect on how God's word connects with your daily life.
How do I do this?
- Find a quiet place where you can relax
- Pick a passage from Scripture
- Read the selected Scripture passage slowly, aloud (reading the passage aloud to yourself allows you to hear the words with your own ears)
- Read the passage aloud a second time and be aware of any words or phrase that draws your attention.
- Ask:
- Does a word or phrase connect with my personal experience?
- How do I feel as I read the words?
- What images or memories surfaced that I need to be with for a moment?
- Does a word or phrase connect with my personal experience?
- Read the passage aloud a third time.
- Ask:
- What do the words and images mean for my life?
- What do they mean for my relationship with God?
- Follow the promptings of your heart — enter into conversation with God. (This kind of reflective listening allows the Holy Spirit to deepen our awareness of God’s initiative to speak with us.)
- Write down your word or phrase and remember it during the next few days
Additional Resources:
Lectio Divina Page from the Carmelite Web SiteHow to Practice Lectio Divina from Beliefnet.com