Lectio Divina Prayer

Lectio Divina, meaning Holy Reading, can be practiced in a group or by yourself. When just beginning, I find it beneficial to practice it in a group or with a Spiritual Director to guide the session. Sometimes I find it easier to hear what parts of the Scripture pop out to me when I listen to someone reading aloud the scripture instead of reading it myself.

Just the other day, I was listening to a guided Lectio Divina on The Slow Word Movement podcast. Before I began that day, I wanted to set an intention for what I needed. I had been feeling worried that I would never make enough money doing what I wanted to do, so that I could leave my teaching job. I wanted to believe that I could take that leap to follow my dreams and still have financial security. I wanted to know if this was something I should continue to pursue. The reading for that day was from 1 Timothy 6:17-19. It was only 2 verses but felt like a direct answer. The first part struck me “nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.” This is something that I know, but it still doesn’t make it easy. It was the second part of the verse that gave me comfort because it gave me clarity on what to do. “do good… and be generous and willing to share.” I felt a lightness after meditating upon this. I was in the right place and could just keep doing the work and being generous….God would take care of the rest.

Tip: If you are praying this alone and you want to hear it, you can listen to the text read aloud on a podcast or you can record yourself reading it on your phone and listen to it. I use the Quickvoice app.

HOW TO DO IT:

To Prepare: Choose the scripture passage, poem, or holy text that you would like to read. As a Catholic, I find it easiest just to use the Gospel passage for the day. (Daily Reading) You may also want to have a journal and pen nearby.

1. Lectio: Read- Read the scripture passage slowly with the desire to understand it. Read the passage again asking God what He wants to reveal to you about your life. Note any words or phrases that pop out to you.

2. Meditatio: Meditate- Ponder those words. Or is there a memory or feeling that surfaces?

3. Oratio: Speak- Now speak to God about what comes up for you. You may want to express gratitude, ask a petition, or dialogue about a current situation in your life.

4. Contempo: Contemplate- Take a moment to rest in God’s love. This is the stage of letting go.

If you want to try a guided session of Lectio Divina, just click the button below to send me a message. We can schedule a 30 minute session to meet in person or over Zoom.

About the Author: Julie Glaser is a healer who creates sacred spaces for people to share, release, and grow. She’s in the habit of being in awe and wonder and writes to share her own experiences and curiosities with other inquisitive souls in the process of transforming.