Lectio Divina (sacred reading) goes back to the early centuries of our church and continues to be a source of spiritual growth for believers today. Use the following guidelines for your own personal Lectio. Start with any short passage of ten verses or less. Flow through the stages (read, reflect, respond, rest) rather than treating each as a separate exercise. Ask God to help you listen and receive what he wants to say to you.

Read (lectio)

Set aside a chunk of time (at least a half hour). Select a quiet spot. Relax. Breathe deeply. Read the passage of scripture aloud, slowly and reflectively, letting the words settle in your mind. Watch for a key word, phrase, or promise that has special meaning for you.

What word or phrase or moment emerges from the passage the stays with me?

Reflect (meditatio)

Read the passage again. Meditate on the it, letting it bring up memories or experiences that have impacted your life. Let the special word or phrase you’ve picked speak to you through the recollections that it raises. Allow it to sink into your heart. Use your entire being—mind, emotions, and will.

What is God saying to me today in this passage?

Respond (oratio)

Read it a third time. Based on what you have read and sensed in the passage, respond to God. Pray back the verses to the Lord. You may want to write your prayer response. Praise him for something, confess a fault, or make a request for yourself or another.

Tell God how you feel about what he is saying to you.

Rest (contempatio)

Read it one last time. Savor this encounter with God. Fellowship with him and wait in silence. This is the time to listen and open your heart and mind to whatever God might want to communicate. You may wish to use a favorite image or ask God, “What is it you most want to say to me at this time?”

Rest in the quiet stillness of God’s embrace.

While I gravitate to the inductive Bible study method, this more contemplative tool has stretched me to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit through the text. And he always has a sweet word for me.

If Lectio Divina is new to you, I hope you’ll give it a try. If this is a treasured practice for you, tell me about your experience.