Lectio Divina
One of the oldest methods of Bible study is referred to as Lectio Divina. It was practiced for many years among monks and other scholars. It disappeared for a while as new methods arose but has recently had a revival. It is a simple method but very effective when used regularly and properly. It consist of four easy steps and requires no special tools or materials. The four steps are: reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation.
Step One: Reading is not reading just for information but rather focusing on an immersion in the word itself. It’s reading to receive so that one can respond. We read with questions and open hearts. This style reading is more for being changed and molded rather than instructed. Rather than approaching the reading with expectation come with a desire to be surprised. What is new to you and how does it affect your life?
Step Two: Meditation is a way to communicate with the Holy Spirit within you. To open yourself to the true intent of the word. Meditation lets our ears hear and our hearts respond. Meditation is a means of slowing the process down. There is no need to rush to the next verse until we have absorbed all there is in the one at hand, but also remember to consider the context. Meditation allows us to make the word speak to us rather than the rest of the world. It gives us a chance to say ‘speak Lord, you servant hears.’ Meditation gives us time to find ourselves in the verse and confront the message in a personal way.
Step Three: Prayer allows us to respond to the reading and meditation. We have been listening to God as we read and meditated on the text; prayer is our opportunity to share with God how we have been challenged or changed by our reading and meditation. This prayer can be a time of confession and re-dedication as the Word of God like a two-edged sword penetrates deep into our hearts. Importantly, do not allow this step to become ordinary or planned. Remember you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit who knows your deepest thoughts and secrets. For your own spiritual growth this is a time to be honest with God.
Step Four: Contemplation is a time of silence yet awareness. We are taking it in, so to speak. What we read, thought about and prayed about is finding a home hopefully in our mind and heart. God is in you and He communicates through His Word and His Spirit. The Spirit was given to guide us into all truth but we must shut out the world and listen to Him. Contemplation is best accomplished where we can be alone, quiet, and without distraction. It will take some practice and lots of time to get comfortable in this step. Just keep practicing.
Task for Today: Why not give Lectio Divina a try for a week or two. See if it works for you. Either way, it will change your mind about how to study the Bible.
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