What is Lectio Divina?

Answer

Lectio divina is Latin for “divine reading,” “spiritual reading,” or “holy reading.” According to author and spiritual director Becky Eldredge, lectio divina is “a slow, rhythmic reading and praying of a Scripture passage” (from Busy Lives & Restless Souls, Loyola Press, 2017). The purpose of this traditional monastic practice is to foster communion with God and offer unique spiritual insights. The principles of lectio divina were initially articulated around 220 AD and subsequently followed by Catholic monks, particularly following the monastic guidelines of Saints Pachomius, Augustine, Basil, and Benedict. The practice of lectio divina was reintroduced in 1965 with the publication of Dei Verbum by the Vatican II Council.

A similar practice is visio divina, which involves prayerful contemplation of icons, illustrations, or other visual representations. Additionally, various Catholic instructors advocate musica or audio divina (using music to open the “ears of the heart”) and walking divina (participating in a Corpus Christi procession or a rosary procession, visiting the Stations of the Cross, or walking the Camino).

The practice of lectio divina is popular among Catholics and is increasingly embraced in the evangelical church, particularly within the spiritual formation movement. Pope Benedict XVI endorsed lectio divina, and in a 2005 address, he highlighted its objective: “I would like to emphasize and recommend the ancient tradition of lectio divina: the attentive reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer leads to an intimate dialogue where the reader hears God speaking and responds to Him with a trusting openness of heart. If this practice is effectively encouraged, it will bring about a new spiritual flourishing in the Church—I am convinced of it” (“Address to the Participants in the International Congress Organized to Commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Closing of the Second Vatican Council”).

Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum,” 9/16/05).

Lectio divina is easily adaptable to the reading of other sacred texts from different faiths. Moreover, psychologist John Uebersax highlights that the stages of lectio divina “align quite well with the four primary cognitive functions proposed by psychologist Carl Jung: sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuiting” (“A Method for Lectio Divina Based on Jungian Psychology,” www.john-uebersax.com/plato/lectio.htm, accessed 3/2/23).

The practice of lectio divina commences with a period of relaxation, ensuring comfort and clearing the mind of everyday thoughts and concerns. Some practitioners find it beneficial to focus by starting with deep, cleansing breaths and repeating a chosen phrase or word multiple times to help clear the mind. Subsequently, they follow four steps:

Lectio – Reading the Bible passage slowly multiple times. The specific passage is less significant than relishing each segment of the reading, attentively listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or phrase that resonates with the practitioner.

Meditatio – Pondering the passage and contemplating how it relates to one’s life. The practitioner gives particular attention to emerging emotions and ways in which God communicates.

Oratio – Responding to the passage through prayer and opening the heart to God. This is viewed as the initiation of a dialogue with God. Some lectio divina practitioners maintain a journal to document their prayers to God and the messages received from Him.

Contemplatio – Reflecting on all that has been understood. This phase involves sitting in silence, resting in God’s presence, and experiencing unity with Christ.

Certain versions of the guidelines for lectio divina also incorporate a fifth step: Actio, or action. Having embraced God’s love, the practitioner is encouraged to engage in serving others with love.

Undoubtedly, engaging in devotional Bible reading, unhurried prayer, and reflecting on and responding to the written Word are commendable practices. As far as lectio divina is concerned, it offers a unique and enriching way to delve into the Scriptures.Ina promotes activities in which believers can participate. Focusing on the Bible to commune with God is commendable. However, there are some cautions regarding lectio divina:

1) The origin of lectio divina is questionable. Anything that originated with monks, practiced by mystics, recommended by popes, and taught by Catholic teachers is questionable. Believers should be cautious of any practice labeled as a traditional monastic practice.

2) The subjective, personal focus of lectio divina diminishes objective, systematic Bible study. Advocates of lectio divina openly acknowledge that the practice “does not treat scripture as texts to be studied. . . . In Lectio Divina we let go of more intellectual, studious, or effortful ways of reading the scripture. . . . Although Lectio Divina involves reading, it is less a practice of reading than one of listening to the inner message of the Scripture delivered through the Holy Spirit. Lectio Divina does not seek information or motivation” (Archdiocese of St. Louis, www.archstl.org/Portals/0/Documents/Worship/Divina%20Resources/Lectio%20Divina.pdf, accessed 3/2/23). A devotional reading of Scripture should not supplant “intellectual, studious” Bible study but complement it. A thorough study of the Bible should naturally lead to communion with and worship of God.

Believers have a responsibility to rightly handle the word of truth and to be diligent workers who do not need to be ashamed before God “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). We approach the Bible with a foundation of solid knowledge and faith; the personal experience of peace and contentment arises as a result of knowing and communing with God correctly.