Reflection and Prayer with Scripture

“Seek in reading and you will find it in meditation.
Knock in prayer and it will be opened to you in contemplation."

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS

Lectio Divina can be defined as slow, meditative reading in search of a prayerful, personal contact with God.  It traditionally involves four movements or readings of the selected passage:

Lectio: Reading

• Choose a scripture passage

• Get into a comfortable position, sitting in a chair or on the floor.

• Take a few minutes to relax; as much as possible, still your body, mind, and heart.

• Call upon the Holy Spirit; ask to be attentive and open as God speaks through His Word.

• Read the scripture passage aloud, slowly, and quietly.  Pay attention to the words and phrases that stand out to you.  

• Sit in silence and listen to God.

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Meditation: Reflecting

• Reread the passage slowly.  Don’t rush, take your time.

• Be aware of your thoughts and feelings.  Don’t analyze the passage.  How does the passage speak to you, to your life?  What is God saying to you through this scripture?

• Sit in silence and listen to God.

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Oratio: Praying

• Reread the passage again slowly.

• Turn your mind and heart to God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• Using the fruit of your mediation, speak to God – in petition, in gratitude, in sorrow, in praise….  

• Talk to God and listen for His response.  Commit yourself to act and respond to His Word.

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Contemplation: Receiving

• Reread the passage again slowly.

• Listen, rest in God’s love.  Feel the power of the living Word spoken into you.

• Know God’s presence in the silence.  Expect nothing, simply be.