Lectio Divina - For Beginners

"Lectio Divina", a Latin term, means "divine reading" and describes a way of reading the Scriptures whereby we gradually open ourselves to what God wants to say to us.

The first stage is lectio (reading) where we read the Word of God, slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us. Any passage of Scripture can be used for this way of prayer but the passage should not be too long.
 

The second stage is meditatio (reflection) where we think about the text we have chosen so that we take from it what God wants to give us.
 

The third stage is oratio (response) where we leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by our reflection on the Word of God.
 

The final stage is contemplatio (rest) where we simply rest in the Word of God. We listen at the deepest level of our being to God who speaks within us with a still small voice.
As we listen, we are gradually transformed from within. Obviously this transformation will have a profound effect on the way we actually live and the way we live is the test of the authenticity of our prayer. We must take what we read in the Word of God into our daily lives.
 

These stages of Lectio Divina axe not fixed rules of procedure but simply guidelines as to how the prayer normally develops.
Its natural movement is towards greater simplicity, with less and less talking and more listening. Gradually the words of Scripture begin to dissolve and the Word is revealed before the eyes of our heart.