Lectio Divina (“Divine Reading”) is an ancient method of prayerfully and contemplatively reading the Scriptures. The content of this article is available as a PDF handout for individuals and churches.
Find a quiet place. Say “Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.” Then, recite the Creed.
Ask God, “Open my eyes to see wondrous things in your word,” and begin to:
1. Read (especially out loud)
E.g., Read Luke 10:38–42 out loud.
2. Meditate (actively wrestle with the text)
Use a pen to underline key words and phrases, take notes in the margin, and write down questions. E.g., on Luke 10:38–42,
What are the ways in which we “sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to what he says” today? What is “distracting” me from paying attention to the person and words of Jesus? What am I “worried and troubled” about? Am I focused on the “one thing that is needed”?
3. Pray (talk to God about what you read)
Use the Lord’s Prayer to guide your prayers, and/or consider the acronym ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (making requests). E.g., from Luke 10:38–42,
- Adoration: “Lord, you are worthy of my time and attention because …”
- Confession: “Jesus, I’m sorry that I have been distracted by …”
- Thanksgiving: “Lord, thank you for giving me …”
- Supplication: “Lord, help me/my family/my church to …”
4. Contemplate (silently reflect and rest in God’s presence)
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).
Then, go joyfully to your work, singing a hymn, and remembering whose name you bear through baptism.
PDF handout: “Lectio Divina: A Method for Daily Devotions.”
See also the sermon: “Sitting and Listening to Jesus: Lectio Divina (Luke 10:38–42).”
