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?
• 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 Site

How to Practice Lectio Divina from Beliefnet.com