February 25, 2009
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Lectio Divina primer
Lectio Divina - It’s from the Latin for “Sacred Reading” and it is a practice of reading the Scriptures that came from monastic circles. Of late, this form of reading has gone outside of Roman Catholic circles and has been making it’s way into other denominations. For Sofia & I, this will be the third year that we’d be participating along with our church.
Lectio Divina, in short, is a simple method for followers to take a new look and approach to the Scriptures, and in this season of Lent as we approach the somberness of Good Friday and the celebration on Resurrection Sunday, it is a fitting method (in my opinion) to take a 2nd look at the scriptures with rawness and purpose.
More can be said of course, but for simplicity sake, I’ll attempt to surmarize the basic steps.
- Lectio (reading/listening) – The first step that needs to take place is the thoughtful and intentional reading of the scriptures. This step requires that the reader not skim or quickly surmarize the passage in one’s mind, but to take in each word. It is reverential. It is approaching the scriptures as a lover reads the words from his/her long lost beloved.
- Meditatio (mediation) - When you find yourself drawn to a particular passage, take the time to meditate and percolate on what it is saying. This process is meant to go throughout your day as you chew on what God is saying in this passage and how it applies to you.
- Oratio (prayer) – This is the time for your response to God. This isn’t the time to repeat Christian jargon, or codified prayers. It is simply the time a child approaches his/her Father and be honest with him. This isn’t about performance or measuring up, it is about communion with your Father.
- Contemplatio (contemplation) – The final step is to simply be still and know that He is God. He dwells within each follower of His Son, bask in that Truth, enjoy His Spirit’s presence. Listen for His voice.
I hope this encourages you to may be try out Lectio Divina during this Lenten season. God has used this in the past to encourage me to take on certain tough challenges (such as Nepal). Maybe he’ll use it for you too.
