What is Lectio Divina? A Guide to Divine Reading
- The Contemplative Society
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
For many of us, reading the Bible can sometimes feel like a study session, a search for historical facts, theological arguments, or moral rules. But there is another way to approach the text, one that is less about information and more about transformation.
This way is called Lectio Divina.
At The Contemplative Society, we cherish this ancient practice as a way to open ourselves to God’s word here and now, moving from "reading about" God to directly encountering the Living Word.
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What is Lectio Divina?
Lectio Divina (Latin for “Divine Reading” or “Sacred Reading”) is a contemplative practice rooted in the Christian monastic tradition. It combines slow, attentive reading of a biblical or sacred text with meditation, prayer, and silence.
Unlike traditional Bible study, Lectio Divina asks us to set aside the "analytical mind"—the part of us that wants to dissect the text, check the Greek translation, or figure out the historical context. Instead, we listen with the "heart," engaging the text with imagination, senses, and feeling.
The core question of Lectio Divina is not "What does this text mean?" but rather:"What is God saying to me through this text, in this moment?"
A Brief History of the Practice
While the method feels fresh to many modern believers, its roots go back to the very beginning of the faith.
Desert Roots (3rd–4th Century): The early Desert Fathers and Mothers practiced a form of "ruminating" on Scripture, repeating a verse throughout the day until it became a part of their very breath.
John Cassian (5th Century): Brought the Desert wisdom to the West and wrote about prayer, influencing St. Benedict. He distinguished between practical virtue and theoretikè (contemplation), but he didn't use the 4-step Lectio formula.
St. Benedict (6th Century): When St. Benedict wrote his famous Rule for monks, he established Lectio Divina as a daily necessity, ensuring that prayer was grounded in Scripture rather than just personal thoughts.
The Ladder of Monks (12th Century): The four-step method we use today was formalized by a Carthusian monk named Guigo II. He described it as a "ladder" lifting the soul from earth to heaven:
"Reading seeks the sweetness of a blessed life, meditation perceives it, prayer asks for it, contemplation tastes it." — Guigo II
How to Practice Lectio Divina: The Four Movements
The practice is traditionally divided into four movements (or steps). You can do this alone (about 20 minutes) or in a small group.
Step 1: Lectio (Read)
Choose a short passage of Scripture. Read it slowly and deliberately, aloud if possible.
The Invitation: Listen for a word or phrase that "shimmers" or grabs your attention. Don't force it; just notice what lands.
In a group: The text is read aloud twice.
Step 2: Meditatio (Meditate)
Read the text again. This time, "chew" on the word or phrase that caught your attention.
The Invitation: Allow the word to penetrate your awareness. Use your imagination. If you are reading a Gospel story, place yourself in the scene. What do you smell? What do you hear?
The Question: What is the Spirit saying to me right now through this word?
Step 3: Oratio (Pray)
Read the text a third time. Now, move from listening to responding.
The Invitation: Speak to God just as you would to a friend. Share the feelings, memories, or desires that the text has stirred up in you. Is there a challenge here? A comfort? A conviction? Offer that back to God.
Step 4: Contemplatio (Contemplate)
Finally, let go of words, images, and thoughts.
The Invitation: Simply rest in the presence of God. As William of Saint-Thierry wrote in the 12th century, “To pray is to remain tranquil in spirit in order to enjoy God for as long a time as possible.”
The Goal: Silence is the soil where the word takes root.
Digging Deeper: The "Senses" of the Text
Over centuries, the Christian tradition has described multiple “levels” or senses of meaning in Scripture, starting with Origen, through Cassian and Aquinas. These can also enrich the practice of Lectio Divina:
Literal: The plain meaning of the words. What is happening in the text? History and context shape the story, but complete certainty about the author’s original intent is beyond reach.
Allegorical/Christological: The sense revealed to the eyes of faith, how the passage sheds light on the mystery of Christ.
Moral/Tropological: The ethical summons. How should I act in response to this text?
Unitive/Anagogical/Mystical: Eternal spiritual realities, in which the Scriptures become the organizing principle of life and intelligence.
*We add a fifth dimension: Contemplatio. As William of Saint-Thierry wrote in the 12th century, “To pray is to remain tranquil in spirit in order to enjoy God for as long a time as possible.” In Contemplatio we simply rest in God’s presence, letting go of reasoning, thinking, and feeling. Silence becomes the ground in which this prayer takes root.
Resources for Your Journey
Suggested Texts to Start With
The Gospels are often the easiest place to begin because they are narrative-driven. Here are a few beautiful passages selected by Christopher Page (Rector of St. Philip Anglican Church, Victoria, BC):
The Storm at Sea: Mark 4:35-41
The Road to Emmaus: Luke 24:13-35
The Vine and the Branches: John 15:1-11
Be Still: Psalm 46
Full list of scripture:
Matthew: 7:7-11; 8:1-4; 8:23-27; 9:2-8; 9:18-25; 14:13-20; 16:13-20; 17:1-8; 18:1-5; 26:6-13; 26:36-46; 26:69-75; 27:32-44; 27:45-54; 28:1-10
Mark: 1:9-13; 1:21-27; 1:40-45; 4:1-9; 4:35-41; 6:45-52; 8:1-9; 8:22-26; 9:2-8; 10:17-22; 11:15-19; 12:41-44; 13:32-37; 14:3-9; 14:43-50; 15:33-39; 16:1-8
Luke: 1:39-45; 2:25-32; 4:40-44; 5:27-32; 10:38-42; 11:9-13; 11:33-36; 12:13-21; 13:22-32; 13:32-34; 15:1-7; 17:11-19; 19:41-44; 22:14-23; 22:39-46; 24:36-49
John: 1:1-9; 1:10-18; 1:35-42; 6:16-21; 6:35-40; 7:37-39; 10:1-5; 10:11-18; 12:1-8; 12:20-26; 13:1-11; 13:31-35; 14:1-7; 14:8-14; 14:15-21; 14:25-30; 15:1-11; 15:12-17; 16:12-14; 20:11-18; 20:19-23; 20:24-29
Romans: 5:1-5; 8:1-11; 8:31-39; 12:1-5; 14:7-12
1 Corinthians: 13:1-13; 15:35-41; 15:50-56
2 Corinthians: 4:7-11; 5:1-5; 5:11-15
Ephesians: 1:17-23; 2:11-22; 3:14-21
Philippians: 1:3-11; 2:5-11
Recommended Reading
Too Deep for Words by Thelma Hall – A classic introduction to the practice.
Opening the Bible by Thomas Merton – Reflections on reading scripture contemplatively.
The Wisdom Jesus by Cynthia Bourgeault – Offers a "Wisdom" way of reading the Gospels that aligns perfectly with Lectio.
Videos & Tools
Insight Timer: Many guided Lectio Divina tracks are available on this meditation app.
A Final Note on "Contemplatio"
We add a distinct emphasis on the fourth step: Contemplatio. In many Bible study methods, the goal is an "action item" (what will I do?). In Lectio Divina, the goal is Union (who will I be?). We end not with a to-do list, but with a "long, loving look" at the God who speaks.
*Curated by Nicholas Fournie, Communications Coordinator, The Contemplative Society
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