Learning to Pray with Scripture: Lectio Divina

Here’s post two in a series that will include instructions, tips, and ideas on how to pray in different ways. If you didn’t read the intro post, check it out here!

If you are seeking a fuller, richer, more abundant life in Christ, prayer is essential to you. And one of the absolute best tools for prayer is the Sacred Scriptures. Why? Because the Sacred Scriptures are God’s love letter written to us. It is the inspired word of God. The wisdom of the Church tells us that “in the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them” (Dei Verbum, 21). Basically, we have a good Father in heaven who desires to come to us and talk to us. Seriously? Seriously! This is why it’s so important not only to know the scriptures but to pray with the scriptures. It is a sure way to hear the voice of God speaking into our hearts and lives.

Lectio Divina

This first form of prayer with scriptures is called Lectio Divina. This name is Latin for “divine reading”.  It was a method of prayer that was used by the earliest monasteries of Benedictine monks. It is a process by which you read any given scripture passage several times, but each time maintaining a different focus. The repetition really allows you to sink into the scripture, to listen for words that jump off the page or stir your heart. 

There have been times when I was praying Lectio and felt tempted to give up after the first or second reading because nothing was really jumping off the page for me. But when I persisted until the end, God spoke. Sometimes he’s subtle but sometimes he’s super obvious. Sometimes I feel so joyful and consoled. Other times I didn’t feel much emotionally. But whenever I’ve showed up to pray and stuck with it to the end, he’s communicated with me in some way. 

Steps for Praying Lectio Divina 

1. Lectio (read): read the passage – identify a word or phrase that sticks out, if you like writing or journaling, write it down
2. Meditatio (meditate): read the passage – ask God why this word or phrase is sticking out, “chew” on it,  listen for an answer and reflect on it, write down what you hear
3. Contemplatio (contemplate): read the passage – open your heart to God, ask him to speak to you about what this insight means
4. Oratio (pray): read the passage one final time – speak to God about this, it’s like having a conversation with a friend, and don’t forget to listen!

Adapted from The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina by the USCCB

Tips for Lectio

Lectio Divina works well for any scripture passages. I’ve really enjoyed using the Psalms for this type of prayer. Recently I’ve been using the daily gospel readings out of my Magnificat book. It keeps me connected with the liturgy when I’m not able to attend daily mass. It also gives me a deeper experience of the mass when I’ve already prayed with the gospel before I get there. It’s a win-win!

Ultimately, I’d have a plan or a goal before you start. Choose a book of the bible and use one passage each day. For example, if you chose the Psalms, pray with one psalm each day. You’ll have a clear plan for prayer for almost six months if you pray every day. Or you could use one of the gospels and pray with one story each day. You could do one chapter, but that could get a little bit long for Lectio. Sometimes keeping it short and sweet is the way to go. Or, if you want some suggestions, here are some of my favorites: 

• Matthew 14:22-33
• Mark 10:17-31
• John 6:16-21
• Luke 15:11-32
• Luke 15:11-32
• Mark 10:17-31
• John 8:1-11
• John 14:1-7
• Matthew 4:18-22
• Isaiah 41:1-10
• Psalm 63
• Jeremiah 29:11-13
• John 2
• Luke 17:11-19

Another thing I like to do is journal out my Lectio. Keep the steps in a prayer journal and as you read, reflect, and listen, write down what comes to your heart and mind. Mind you, this isn’t how everyone prays best, but if you like writing or being able to keep a record that you can look back on, it’s a great thing to do. I’ve been keeping a prayer journal since high school and it really enriches my prayer life. 

The final tip comes from my future brother-in-law, Brian. He recommended praying the scriptures aloud instead of simply reading to yourself. I do this quite frequently in prayer, usually when I’m at home, especially when I feel stuck. It can be a total game changer, so give it a try. The first time I tried this, God gave me the inspiration for this whole blog, even though I didn’t realize it at the time.

Now’s the Time!

If you’ve never tried Lectio, now’s the time! What are you waiting for? He is so eager for us to come to him, so run to him in prayer! Let him speak – not only in the silence – but through his word, the sacred scriptures.

If you need some extra accountability, drop me a message, leave a comment, or message me on facebook and we can keep in touch about it!

I’ll be praying for you!