Are you wanting an easy to follow prayer method to help you pray better? Lectio divina, also know as "holy reading" or "divine reading" might be the solution you are looking for. Lectio divina has been an effective prayer method that has helped countless people deepen their pray lives since the 1500's.
In short, lectio divina is prayer practice of reflectively reading God's word and prayerfully responding. The four lectio divina steps are Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio.
1) Lectio. This first movement is a time of just getting acquainted with the text by slowly reading a scripture passage several times. You may want to note any phrases or words that seem to stand out. I usually read the text at least three times. Each time a read, I move more and more slowly. You may even want to read it out loud.
2) Meditatio. As the name implies, meditatio is a time of meditation. Meditation in this context is not like Eastern meditation of emptying your mind. Instead, in meditatio you ruminate on the text and ponder it deeply. You might ponder a word of phrase at length that you wrote down in your initial reading. Or, you you may imaginatively place yourself in the story, if you are reading something narrative from the bible. The key to meditation is to actively engage your mind with the text while listening for ways that it might meaningfully intersect your life.
3) Oratio. Oratio is a latin word from which we get words, such as, oral and oratory. In this third movement, you now begin to speak to God. Speak from your heart about anything in the text that has caught your attention. God's word may convict you or bring you great comfort. Perhaps, you will understand a truth about God that you never understood before. Whatever the case may be, speak with God about it as openly and sincerely as you can. Oratio is a time for you to respond to God from your understanding of the text.
4) Contemplatio. When you have completed the first three steps, sit joyfully and silently before God. Rest in God's presence. Offer back to God your loving focus and attention with a heart full of gratitude. This is often times the most difficult part of Lectio Divina for people because it is not so much about doing something as it is about just being present. I once heard someone describe contemplating God's presence as being similar to a parent going in at night and gazing lovingly upon their sleeping child. That is the type of presence of mind you want to bring to contemplatio.
Though there are four distinct steps to lectio divina, don't get legalistic about the method. Basically, the four steps are intended as a guide to your time in God's word and with God.
Stick with practicing lectio divina consistently for a few weeks before judging it's merit. At first you will likely be a bit preoccupied with just following the steps. This is normal and will stop once you get comfortable with the method.
Lectio divina tends to help you pray better by forcing you to slow down and spend more time praying. Also, because much of it is reflection oriented, you may find that your prayer life takes on a greater sense of being a conversation with God. These are just a couple of lectio divina's benefits. May God bless you richly in other ways as you practice it.
In short, lectio divina is prayer practice of reflectively reading God's word and prayerfully responding. The four lectio divina steps are Lectio, Meditatio, Oratio, and Contemplatio.
1) Lectio. This first movement is a time of just getting acquainted with the text by slowly reading a scripture passage several times. You may want to note any phrases or words that seem to stand out. I usually read the text at least three times. Each time a read, I move more and more slowly. You may even want to read it out loud.
2) Meditatio. As the name implies, meditatio is a time of meditation. Meditation in this context is not like Eastern meditation of emptying your mind. Instead, in meditatio you ruminate on the text and ponder it deeply. You might ponder a word of phrase at length that you wrote down in your initial reading. Or, you you may imaginatively place yourself in the story, if you are reading something narrative from the bible. The key to meditation is to actively engage your mind with the text while listening for ways that it might meaningfully intersect your life.
3) Oratio. Oratio is a latin word from which we get words, such as, oral and oratory. In this third movement, you now begin to speak to God. Speak from your heart about anything in the text that has caught your attention. God's word may convict you or bring you great comfort. Perhaps, you will understand a truth about God that you never understood before. Whatever the case may be, speak with God about it as openly and sincerely as you can. Oratio is a time for you to respond to God from your understanding of the text.
4) Contemplatio. When you have completed the first three steps, sit joyfully and silently before God. Rest in God's presence. Offer back to God your loving focus and attention with a heart full of gratitude. This is often times the most difficult part of Lectio Divina for people because it is not so much about doing something as it is about just being present. I once heard someone describe contemplating God's presence as being similar to a parent going in at night and gazing lovingly upon their sleeping child. That is the type of presence of mind you want to bring to contemplatio.
Though there are four distinct steps to lectio divina, don't get legalistic about the method. Basically, the four steps are intended as a guide to your time in God's word and with God.
Stick with practicing lectio divina consistently for a few weeks before judging it's merit. At first you will likely be a bit preoccupied with just following the steps. This is normal and will stop once you get comfortable with the method.
Lectio divina tends to help you pray better by forcing you to slow down and spend more time praying. Also, because much of it is reflection oriented, you may find that your prayer life takes on a greater sense of being a conversation with God. These are just a couple of lectio divina's benefits. May God bless you richly in other ways as you practice it.
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Visit www.ThePracticalDisciple.com to learn about lectio divina steps. Or, select another prayer model to improve your relationship with God.
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