Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina, or “sacred reading,” is a way of praying spiritual texts (especially Scripture). It is an ancient Christian discipline that helps the “divine word” sink deeper into our consciousness and helps us spend time healing—enjoying quiet time with God.
How It Works
Read. Reflect. Respond. Relax.
It’s that simple.
1. Read the text—slowly, intentionally. Take your time. Read it over several times.
2. Reflect. What word or phrase in the text caught your attention as you were reading it slowly? You may have to read it several times to really catch the word or phrase that gives you a “little bump” or jolt of recognition. We do not often read like this, so it may take a while for you to feel your own reaction to the text. When you have the word or phrase, focus on it and consider what that word or phrase seems to be saying to you in this moment of prayer.
3. Respond to your thoughts about the word or phrase. Ask God if what you are getting from it is what you need to be getting from it. Offer it to God as praise, or gratitude, or as a request for guidance. Be in dialogue with the word.
4. Relax. After reading the text, reflecting on a portion of it, and responding to the thoughts that came up in your reflection, now relax. Just sit quietly in the divine presence (this may be the most difficult part, but it is so rewarding). Still those wondering thoughts. Quiet all discursive thinking, and just rest in the rich Silence that is the Holy Presence. Sit for a minute, or for twenty. But let it be simple, nourishing quietness, however long it may last.
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Week of February 5, 2012 Genesis 1:1-5 First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don't see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God's Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss. God spoke: "Light!" And light appeared. God saw that light was good and separated light from dark. God named the light Day, God named the dark Night. It was evening, it was morning— Day One.
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