For centuries Christians have found the Scriptures to be a rich source for prayer. Christians find that God speaks through the Bible (the Word of God) in a way that is life-transforming. In the words of Scripture they hear the very voice of God initiating the conversation of prayer.

Only in recent centuries have the Scriptures been accessible to all Christians. For hundreds of years printed copies were available only to clergy and monastics. Individuals would attend the daily prayers or the weekly worship in order to hear the Word of God read. They then stored in their heart and continued to ponder what they had heard, reflecting upon its meaning for them (Luke 2:19). Thus, the Word spoken in public worship and prayer became material for the personal prayer of Christians. This manner of prayer took on the name lectio divina (sacred reading or holy listening). It refers to hearing the word we consider to be God’s Word.

In lectio divina, four movements characterize this way of reading/hearing and praying the Scriptures. These four movements are known by their Latin names, with corresponding English equivalents. This prayer form presupposes that you be still and open yourself to listen with your heart more than your ears. Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself and prepare your heart to listen to God.

Lectio/reading/hearing. The first movement in lectio divina is to hear the Word, either as you read it or as it is read to you. As you hear the Word, listen for a word or phrase that stands out to you. Typically one particular part of a passage of Scripture will catch your attention more than the rest. That part may be obvious, or it may simply nudge you. Either way, you begin to sit still with that particular word or phrase.

Meditatio/reflection/ruminate. The second movement involves reflecting on the phrase you have just heard. What is God saying to me in this Word? Where does this word or phrase intersect my particular situation right now? In this phase chew (ruminate) on the word or phrase, perhaps by repeating it over and over in your mind, until its truth begins to seep down into your heart.

Oratio/response/prayer. In the third movement you respond to God. God has spoken and you respond in whatever way seems appropriate. Perhaps the Word leads you to confess, or to praise, or even to ask a question of God: What are you saying to me, God? However the Spirit leads you to respond to God, this is the time to pray in response to what God says to you.

Contemplatio/resting. In this last movement, you don’t do anything with the word God has given. Sit still, not thinking about it, not speaking out of it. Simply open yourself and allow God to weave its truth into the fabric of your being. Invite God to make this word, His Word, a living-giving part of your life.

The Center for Christian Spirituality offers regular times to pray in the manner of lectio divina in group settings, as well as classes to teach the various movements of lectio divina.

For more information on lectio divina and classes through The Center for Christian Spirituality, please contact us.