Image

What is Lectio Divina?

Lectio Divina (pronounced "lec-tsee-oh di-vee-nah) is Latin for "divine reading". It is a traditional Benedictine practice of spiritual reading and prayer. The purpose of this practice is to increase our knowledge of the Word of God and foster our communion with Him. Monks that practiced Lectio Divina would journal about the Scripture verses that inspired them. The basic process consists of four movements, stages or steps.
  1. Lectio (Reading)
  2. Meditatio (Meditation)
  3. Oratio (Prayer)
  4. Contempatio (Contemplate)
2 Optional Additional Steps:
  1. Reading
  2. Research/Writing
  3. Meditation
  4. Prayer
  5. Contemplate
  6. Creative Scripture Journaling
In the dogmatic constitution Dei verbum ("Word of God") Lectio Divina is recommended. In 2005
Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed the practice on the 40th anniversary of Dei verbum when he made the following statement:[1]

I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart. If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church – I am convinced of it – a new spiritual springtime. 


Visit the websites below to learn more about Lectio Divina

• Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI to the Participants in the International Congress Organized to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation "Dei Verbum"

• Catechism of the Catholic Church: (CCC 2708)

• Dei Verbum

• Lectio Divina, A Guide: What it is and how it helps Prayer Life

• Praying with Scripture

• The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church: (CHAPTER V - 38. Lectio Divina)



Vatican Documents (Important Information on Meditation)

• Jesus Christ the Bearer of the Water of Life: A Christian Reflection on the "New Age"

• Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on Some Aspects of Christian Meditation
(III. Erroneous Ways of Praying, "12. With the present diffusion of eastern methods of meditation in the Christina world and in ecclesial communities, we find ourselves faced with a pointed renewal of an attempt, which is not free from dangers and errors, to fuse Christian meditation with that which is non-Christian." . . . avoid the danger of falling into syncretism.)

1. Vatican website Address at the 40th anniversary of DEI VERBUM, Castel Gandolfo, Friday, 16 September 2005